It was determined that a single moth possesses ½ calorie of fat content. During summer months, bears move to the higher elevations to feast on army cutworm moths. This is an interesting tidbit about army cutworm moths. The nuisance is temporary because at a certain point, an undefined stimulus (likely photoperiod driven) signals moths across the Central Plains states to migrate westward to the higher elevations in the Rockies where they are a food source for grizzly bears. For a period of time, moths remain near areas where they emerged, this is the time period we are in right now. Moth emergence usually begins by late May. In some years the numbers of moths can be quite a nuisance. They complete their development toward the beginning of May after which they burrow into the ground where they create protective earthen cocoons inside of which they pupate. Army cutworms overwinter as partially grown larvae.Įach year in the Kansas, overwintered army cutworm larvae resume their feeding as temperatures moderate and become warmer. Larvae preferably feed during the dark of night and seek shelter in the soil during daytime hours. Eggs may hatch within several days of being deposited but may be delayed under unfavorable/dry conditions. The seasonal life history of these moths begins in the fall of the year when adult moths deposit eggs in the soil in fields of fall-seeded wheat, alfalfa stands and weedy fields/patches. They live on flower nectar and are not know to cause a lot of damage, but are quite an annoyance. At this time of year, the ‘miller moths’ are actually army cutworm moths, Euxoa auxillaris. In some areas of Kansas, moths have been a big nuisance to homeowners recently. Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictĪ “miller moth” is an all-inclusive umbrella term used to describe any plain brown drab moth.
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