Two generations occur per year in Colorado, with most important damage occurring in August. The head has dark net-like markings on a light brown background. Dark brown bars diverging above the mouth are present on the head capsule. Alternate light and dark stripes are present on the abdomen and an orange stripe on each side. Larvae are usually found in sheltered locations or below the soil surface during daylight.
Several generations occur per year with the first damage occuring very early in the growing season.
This insect is easily distinguished from other crop caterpillars by two bright yellow stripes running along each side of the body and separated by alternating black and white stripes running around the body. This insect can be found defoliating a variety of broadleaf field and vegetable Crops, ornamental trees and flowers. It is generally not considered to be a serious pest. Damage from these Insects can be expected in late May and June and again in late August and September. This is a greenish or brown climbing cutworm with a broad pink or yellow stripe on either side of the body.