Agrotis gladiaria

Adults distinguished from similar Agrotis species by forewing pattern and size; precise identification requires examination of genitalia. Forewing length of 13–16 mm separates it from larger congeners. The common name 'Claybacked' refers to the relatively uniform, earthy dorsal coloration. Larvae identified as cutworms by their C-shaped curling behavior and subterranean habits; species-level identification of larvae is difficult and requires rearing to adulthood.

Agricultural fields, grasslands, meadows, and open disturbed areas. Larvae occur in soil or under surface debris. Adults attracted to light. Grassy and weedy fields preferred for oviposition.

Southeastern Canada (Nova Scotia to Ontario) and eastern United States (Maine to Florida panhandle, west to eastern Texas, eastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, southern Wisconsin, and Michigan).

Adults active September to October, varying by latitude and local climate. Single brooded (univoltine). Larvae present spring through summer, pupating in soil. Overwintering stage not definitively established for this species; most Agrotis cutworms overwinter as larvae or pupae.

Larvae polyphagous, feeding on diverse plants including: Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Asteraceae (sunflower family), Fabaceae (legumes), Rubus (brambles), Poa (bluegrass), Andropogon (bluestem), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Trifolium (clover), Zea mays (corn), Solidago (goldenrod), Hordeum pusillum (little barley), Avena (oats), Allium (onions), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Nicotiana (tobacco), and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). Adults do not feed.

Complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Eggs laid on soil, stems, or leaves. Larval development spans spring and summer. Pupation occurs in soil. Adults emerge in autumn. Specific timing of overwintering stage not documented.

Larvae nocturnal, remaining underground or under debris during daylight. Feeding occurs at night. Larvae sever plant stems at, slightly below, or above soil surface—typical 'cutworm' damage. Adults nocturnal, attracted to artificial light sources.

Larval herbivore; significant agricultural pest due to stem-cutting behavior. Contributes to nutrient cycling through plant material consumption. Serves as prey for ground-foraging birds, rodents, and predatory insects.

Agricultural pest of field crops and vegetables. Damage occurs through seedling destruction via stem severing. Management includes cultural practices (weed control, seedbed preparation) and insecticide application. Listed among cutworm species requiring monitoring in sorghum and other grain crops.

• Agrotis ipsilon (Black Cutworm)Similar size and general appearance; distinguished by forewing pattern details and genitalia. A. ipsilon has more widespread North American distribution and is more frequently reported as a crop pest.
• Agrotis orthogonia (Pale Western Cutworm)Both are subterranean cutworms, but A. orthogonia is restricted to drier western regions and has paler coloration. A. gladiaria occurs in eastern North America with more mesic climate associations.
• Euxoa spp.Related noctuid cutworms with similar larval habits; distinguished by adult genitalia and forewing pattern details. Euxoa species often have more contrasting forewing markings.

• cutworm
• agricultural pest
• noctuid
• nocturnal
• polyphagous
• eastern North America
• autumn flight

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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