When larger, they frequently feed at or just below the ground surface, and are more commonly found below ground, when the soil surface is dry and crusted, cutting plants off near ground level. Temperature affects development of cutworms and corn plants. Most feeding occurs at night, although on overcast days they may be seen above ground. Generally, they hide beneath plant debris, clods, or in loose soil during the day. They typically remain near the surface if the soil is moist, but may travel 2 to 3 inches below the surface if dry conditions persist.
Pupae are the resting stage where the transformation to adulthood takes place.
Though large numbers are not known to overwinter in Kansas, remaining in the pupal stage would be the most likely strategy for this insect to use in trying to survive sub-freezing temperatures. About two weeks elapse before adults emerge from the soil. Typically, one generation causes concern in Kansas. Except for damage, which sometimes results from a sporadic second generation feeding on newly emerging sorghum plants, subsequent generations are not of economic concern. This text was extracted from the publication, MF-1105.