The Bronzed Cutworm Moth has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches. The forewing color varies from reddish brown (on older specimens), yellow-brown, dark red to olive green. Freshly emerged moths have a violet sheen. The reddish brown median area has light tan orbicular and reniform spots. The antemedian, postmedian and subterminal lines dark brown and wavy. The hindwing is plain light brown. This moth was identified by a volunteer expert at the BugGuide website. The caterpillar is smooth and is shiny brown to black. It has tan mid dorsal, subdorsal and spiracular stripes. The thoracic shield often has light-colored stripes. It grows to about 1.75 inches long.
This is a common moth that flies in late summer to October. The moths shown here were photographed at Neale Woods in mid-September coming to artificial lights.
The larval host plants are corn and various grasses. The caterpillars are largely subterranean. They mature and pupate in late spring and early summer, but the adults do not emerge until late summer.
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