VARIEGATED CUTWORM

Peridroma saucia

OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)

The Variegated Cutworm Moth has a wingspan of 1.75 to 2 inches.  The forewing is variably tan, light brown, dark brown or reddish brown.  The Antemedial and Postmedial lines are double.  The light brown orbicular spot is outlined in black.       The hindwing is pearly gray in the center.  The legs are brown with brown fuzzy "leggings" on the upper part of the legs.  The larva grows to 1.75 inches.  It has a stout, smooth gray to brown body often with a pink or orange rump patch.   

The Variegated Cutworm is probably common at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.  It was photographed at Neale Woods in early July 2013 coming to artificial lights and at Fontenelle Forest in early July 2014.  Adults fly from spring through fall.  This moth occurs worldwide and is an agricultural pest in the U.S. damaging both field and orchard crops.

Another common name for this moth is Pearly Underwing.  It is a general feeder on agricultural and orchard crops.  The female rafts eggs on the underside of leaves.  In the warmer summer months the larvae can pass through their 6 instars in 21 to 29 days.  The species overwinters in the pupal stage.  It is the only species in the genus Peridroma north of Mexico.