Insects and Spiders - non-native

Cutworms (family Noctuidae) on Jan 17, 2026

Description of specimen

Submitter has sample

Many winter cut worm larvae were found in pile of plastic covering garden. Found in loose soil roughly surface to 1 inch steps. Image of specimen identified below.

Commentary

Avatar of commenter Thank you for your report! Yes, that looks like Winter cutworm, although there are other cutworm species that look similar -- but management options are the same for most of them. In a vegetable garden, hand-picking and chickens are a good but time-consuming option. Here is a post from the OSU Extension service with some management advice:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9139-winter-cutworm-new-pest-threat-oregon

Tom Valente
Jan. 20, 2026, 10:05 a.m.

Location

These specimens were found on private property semi forested in an open garden area. 20 plus total were found. Area is an open hillside in garden bed.

Expert Reviewer

Avatar of Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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