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More black cutworm moths found in Wisconsin
Photo: Black cutworm moths, Courtesy-Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Wisconsin ag officials say black cutworm moths have arrived in the state, and in big numbers.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection says it’s the second straight week their pheromone traps have collected a significant numbers of moths. As of April 25th, the 50 traps have caught 126 moths. The earliest flight this year was recorded March 31st.
Now that two flights labeled as “intense” have occurred, state experts say it will be about 300 growing degree days until the eggs hatch, bringing the crop-damaging larval stage.
So far, the heaviest infestations have been found near Ripon, Waupun, and Beaver Dam, with additional moths found near Pipe in Fond du Lac County, Gilmanton, and Lodi.
The black cutworm migrates northward each spring from the Gulf of Mexico and Texas. With the right weather system, the moths can reach Wisconsin from Texas in only two days.
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