The insect overwinters as small larvae and there is 1 generation per year. Bronzed cutworms cut seedling plants but feed primarily on grasses. It is most common in corn planted into a pasture or sod field, and it is not likely to be found in continuous corn or soybean-rotated fields. The larvae have seven stripes, four brown and three yellow, running the length of the body. The general body color is dark brown with a bronze sheen.
Stalk borers tunnel into the aboveground portion of the corn plant.
Newly emerging leaves from the whorl often have numerous large holes. Injury becomes obvious when the plant terminal begins to wilt and turn brown. Stalk borers are very common pests of corn, especially in rows next to grassy waterways and fence lines. These rows often are stunted in height. Early stage stalk borer has a purple midsection and an orange head with a black stripe.