The moths are generally stocky and have a wingspan of about 40 mm. If disturbed, the larvae usually curl into a C-shaped ball. Cutworms are fat, smooth, dull-colored caterpillars that measure about 45 mm when fully grown. Besides field and vegetable crops, cutworms also attack most turf grasses. Stems are chewed near the soil.
Some cutworms climb the host and feed on unopened buds.
Although there are many important species of cutworms, the black, granulate, and variegated cutworms are the ones most commonly encountered on North Carolina turfgrass. Each cutworm differs slightly from the others in details of habits and appearance, but their life histories are generally similar. Adults and larvae are nocturnal and hide during the day but may become active on cloudy days. The overwintering forms of cutworms occur in the soil either as pupae or mature larvae. In the spring, the hibernating larvae pupate.