Positive identification is important as behavioral differences affect control actions.
Body color varies from pale gray to dark mottled brown intermixed with red and yellow dots. A row of dark or black triangular markings are found on each side of the dorsal body surface. Of the cutworm species that attack grapes, this is the only one with hairs protruding from the compound eye area. Variegated cutworm is the predominant species in the San Joaquin Valley while spotted cutworm is predominant in the north and central coast counties. In the North Coast, the variegated cutworm normally returns to the ground during the day.