The Prince George Forest Region has reported outbreaks since 1973 and the Prince Rupert Forest Region reported severe defoliation of seedlings in 1974. Infestations have decreased considerably since the cessation of slash burning for site preparation. Adult females are able to locate recently burnt over areas and broadcast their eggs over them. Other cutworms, such as Peridroma saucia can be important pests in greenhouses. Adults are attracted by bright lights.
Caterpillars can eat several germinants in an evening.
They hide in the soil during the day. Faecal pellets around eaten seedlings indicate cutworm activity. See HyperNur .