Cutworms are the larvae of large, hairy, nocturnally-flying moths. The two most common species are the black and bronzed cutworm. Eggs are deposited by the adult moths throughout the summer months. After hatching, cutworms start feeding immediately, usually at night. They chew grass stems near the crown, leaving green excrement pellets. Starlings and blackbirds are also attracted to cutworms (as well as the armyworms and sod webworms). Solutions of detergent (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) will quickly bring larvae to the surface to monitor populations.

Bronze Cutworm Larva
Black Cutworm Larva
Black Cutworm Adult
Bronze Cutworm Damage
Black Cutworm and Damage