It has three pairs of regular legs near the head and four additional pairs of fleshy legs on the underside of its rear body segments. Cutworm larvae curl up tightly in a spiral shape when disturbed. Often, disturbed cutworms will regurgitate material from their mouth, apparently a further attempt to discourage attack. This early season pest is usually of greatest concern during early development of field crops, typically within 10 to 14 days of crop emergence. 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.