CLOSED: Who is eating my pansies?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
GreenerBeaner Carrollton, TX(Zone 8a) Feb 09, 2009

Can anyone id this guy eating my pansies? Thanks!

-GreenerBeaner

Thumbnail by GreenerBeaner
Post #6115981
Quote
holeth Corpus Christi, TX(Zone 9a) Feb 19, 2009

although eating flowers is usually the habit of the geometer ("inchworm") moths, it looks like this guy is a bit to plump to loop up and inch along.

The good news: it's not an armyworm moth. There aren't hoards more coming to destroy your plants.
The better news: It could be a sphynx moth or an underwing moth. Most field guides only show a small representation of those groups.

THE BAD NEWS: With that coloration, pattern, and body shape, It's most likely to be a cutworm moth. They eat ANYTHING. They're named for cutting plants off at the soil level, and then eating only what they can in a given feeding. Protect your seedlings. Pick it off. Give it some nice outdoor weeds to feed on. If it doesn't like your offering, it will roam until it finds something it does like.

Post #6158692
Quote
GreenerBeaner Carrollton, TX(Zone 8a) Feb 19, 2009

Thank you, holeth! I was beginning to wonder if we had an alien species on our hands. This guy got relocated behind the fence and I haven't seen him again in person, although my pansies are still being nibbled. Luckily, nothing is cut off at the stem, yet! Thanks for the info - now I am prepared.

GreenerBeaner

Post #6159894
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP