This is a climbing cutworm that always feeds above ground during the night and on cloudy days. After development is complete, it builds a small pupation chamber several inches below the soil surface. Moths emerge in May and June and migrate to higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains to escape high summertime temperatures. In late summer and early fall, the moths return to the plains to lay their eggs in wheat fields and other cultivated areas. With sufficient moisture, eggs hatch and larvae of the next generation start feeding as weather conditions permit.
Army cutworms have a wide host range and feed on most Crops grown in Colorado.
They feed on just about any green tissue presented to them, although they will show preferences when given a choice. For example, army cutworms have been observed to prefer broadleaf weeds in wheat fields over wheat. Army cutworm is found throughout the western states. Most outbreaks occur in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and southern Canada. Army cutworm is found in all agricultural areas of Colorado, although it is mostly a pest of winter grains, sugarbeets and alfalfa.