Graphs of the army and pale western cutworm trap catches gives the total number of moths trapped during fall adult flight by participating county. However, moisture is influential in determining cutworm mortality. Outbreaks have been noted in years when rainfall from 1 May through 31 July was less than 4 inches. Precipitation or irrigation during this time, forces larvae to soil surface where they are exposed to predators and parasites. Records indicate that soil packing also forces larvae to soil surface.
Small larvae are well-camouflaged and can be difficult to see in the soil.
Cutworm larvae eventually reach 1.25 inches, maturing in June. Damage by cutworms can be distinguished from winter kill by looking carefully for evidence of feeding damage. Wheat can recover from cutworm damage if the growing point is not damaged. Army cutworm feeds on above ground parts of the plant. Pale western may cut the plant before it emerges or feed on below ground portions of the plant.