Prevention is always better than cure, and you are more likely to be able to achieve that if you are out and about in your garden regularly. If you find insects you will need to know what Cutworms look like (see Description). If you find damage you should have a closer look to see if you can find some insects. For this to work you will need to know what to look for (see Symptoms of Cutworm Damage). For example you could watch for disappearing seedlings in the veggie garden, and keep an eye out (see Monitor) for Black Cutworm damage when mowing your lawn. The secret to pest control is to keep an eye on your plants, including your lawn, so that you can detect pest incursions early. Larvae feed on a wide range of plants including lawn grasses, vegetables and ornamentals (especially at seedling stage), and broadleaf weeds.

The adult moths of Cutworms are completely harmless and feed on nectar from flowers.

Black Cutworm is thought to be resident in warmer sub-tropical and tropical parts of Australia, and migrate into southern regions during the warmer months there.

Pink Cutworm and Black Cutworm are found throughout Australia. A significant number of the adults (‘Bogong Moths’) in south-eastern Australia migrate to mountainous country to shelter over summer.

Black Cutworm aka Greasy Cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon)Ĭommon Cutworm is found in the southern half of Australia, including Tasmania.

Pink Cutworm aka Brown Cutworm ( Agrotis munda).

Common Cutworm ( Agrotis infusa) – the ‘Bogong Moth’.

There are about 9 species in the genus found in Australia and 3 of those are pests. Cutworms are the larvae of moths from the genus Agrotis.

Download cutworms in lawn