Although the color of a larva varies considerably, a narrow line of pale yellow dots along the middle of the back is almost always present. However, these dots or spots may not be evident on some larvae. Also, there is usually a narrow, orange-brown spiracular stripe, which also occurs on armyworm larvae. Like armyworm and black cutworm adults, variegated cutworm adults migrate from southern regions into the Midwest every year. Larvae have a very wide host range, including, but not limited to, alfalfa, clover, corn, cotton, soybean, sunflower, tobacco, wheat, fruit trees, garden vegetables, and ornamental flowers.
Variegated cutworms complete two to four generations per year in North America north of Mexico.
Variegated cutworms are so-called climbing cutworms, usually climbing host plants and chewing on various plant parts. In the affected soybean fields, the cutworms chewed the plants to the ground rather than cut the plants off. This behavior is more similar to the type of injury caused by armyworms than by black cutworms. Kevin Black reported that pupation was occurring in some areas, although he could find various sizes of larvae in some fields. The onset of pupation suggests that control measures probably are not warranted.