The adult noctuid moths have forewings with a rather common background color of dull brown, gray, and black, with no outstanding prominent identifying marks. Black cutworms feed at the base of the turfgrass plant. Leaves and stems are cut off but may not be eaten. This feeding forms brown spots, 1-2 inches in diameter. Birds feeding extensively in a grassy area may indicate the cutworm's presence.
Cutworms excavate a hole into the ground to hide during the day.
During the night they leave the holes to feed on plant material. The fall armyworm feeds on grass leaf blades and, when numerous, can eat grass down to the ground, causing bare areas. Armyworms may hide during the day in the thatch, but older larvae do not hide during the day but feed continuously. Fall armyworm feeding damage is similar in appearance to that caused by excessive fertilization or herbicide injury. These waste piles will be very noticeable in heavily infested areas.