In early spring, researchers and Extension Educators monitor this insect's movement using traps to capture adult cutworm moths and determine when to start scouting for black cutworm larvae. An intensive moth capture occurs when 9 or more adult cutworm moths are caught over a two-day period. So far there have not been any intense captures reported around the state. An intensive capture then becomes the base for counting degree-days, a measure of heating, that can be used to establish when the larva will be at the appropriate age (4^th instar stage) and ready to start cutting or eating young corn plants. Between 312 and 364 degree-days are needed to reach the 4^th instar larval stage.

Montgomery County, Illinois
Traps in Nokomis and Raymond

These traps are checked once every couple of days, depending upon intensity by Matt Stolte, DSM for Horizon Genetics, (217)828-0993 as well as Montgomery County Extension personnel.

For more information on Black Cutworm, click here.