There are many different species involved but two of the most common ones are the red-backed cutworm and the army cutworm . It is best known for its feeding on cereals, flax, sugar beets, canola, and mustard. Almost any crop, present during the early spring, could be a potential host. The top- stripe is divided by a dark line and bordered by darker bands. The head is yellowish-brown.
Army cutworms are pale greenish-gray to brown in colour.
They have pale stripes down the back and a mottled pattern. They also have a lighter band along the sides. Cutworm moths may lay several hundred eggs on their host plants. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host plants. The larvae tunnel into the soil to form earthen cells where they pupate.