Since 2003, I’ve been investigating the role of army (miller) cutworm larvae (Euxoa auxiliaris) in periodic cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) die-offs in the intermountain west. During their periodic outbreaks, these native larvae can consume all the exotic cheatgrass across miles-wide expanses. The best time to reseed cheatgrass-dominated areas with desirable perennial plants is the fall after army cutworms create “cheatgrass die-offs” in winter and spring. I’m discovering how to predict army (miller) cutworm outbreaks in cheatgrass-affected areas of southwest Idaho and northwest Nevada.
— Read about my army cutworm research
— See if you found an army cutworm