Soil-dwelling-larva
Guides
Agrotis orthogonia
Pale Western Cutworm Moth, Pale Western Cutworm
Agrotis orthogonia, the Pale Western Cutworm Moth, is a noctuid moth native to dry regions of western North America. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on the stems of wheat and other small grains just below the soil surface, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. The species prefers loose, sandy, dry, or dusty soils and is particularly associated with wheat production systems. Adult moths emerge in late summer and fall, with most eggs hatching in late winter or early spring.
Cyclocephala robusta
Cyclocephala robusta is a species of masked chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, though unlike many members of this group it lacks the large horns characteristic of the subfamily. The species is native to the south-central and southeastern United States. Like other Cyclocephala species, it likely has a life cycle involving root-feeding larval stages and adult beetles that do not feed on plants.
Euxoa annulipes
Ring-legged Cutworm
Euxoa annulipes is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1890. The common name "ring-legged cutworm" refers to characteristic banding on the legs. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae are soil-dwelling caterpillars that feed on plant stems at or near the soil surface. The species is part of a large genus of cutworms that are significant agricultural pests, though specific details about E. annulipes biology are sparse in the literature compared to better-studied congeners such as the army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris).
Euxoa servitus
Slave Dart
Euxoa servitus, commonly known as the slave dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is one of many Euxoa species that can damage agricultural crops, particularly small grains and sorghum. The larvae are typical cutworms that feed at night and hide in soil during the day. The species is assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 10854.
Heteroderes amplicollis
Gulf Wireworm
Heteroderes amplicollis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Gulf Wireworm. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known as wireworms, soil-dwelling pests that feed on plant roots and tubers. Adults are typically encountered in field settings and can be found on vegetation.
Monocrepidius scissus
Peanut wireworm
Monocrepidius scissus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the peanut wireworm. The common name reflects its larval form's association with peanut cultivation, where wireworm larvae can cause damage to developing crops. Adults are beetles with the characteristic body form of click beetles, capable of the jumping mechanism that gives the family its common name. The species has been documented across multiple observations, suggesting established populations in agricultural regions.