Insect Order
LEPIDOPTERA
Order Lepidoptera encompasses both Butterflies and Moths with around 12,000 species found across North America. Interestingly, Moths make up the greater number of the two with fewer than 1,000 being Butterfly species. The Butterfly-like 'Skipper' is also part of the group but noted for their shorter, stockier bodies. Butterflies and Moths are a very common sight throughout the state of Tennessee throughout the summer months, Butterflies found during the day and Moths more likely to be encountered during the evening / night time hours.
Taxonomy
Other Names: "Miller Moth"
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Euxoa auxiliaris.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Euxoa
Species: auxiliaris
Characteristics
Garden Pest: Known to be destructive of garden plants.
Harmful: Known to be harmful in one way or another.
Outdoors: Typically found across the great outdoors.
Pest: Generally considered a pest to humans.
Spotted Pattern: Noted for spots or spotted pattern.
Striped / Banded: Noticeable stripes or banding pattern.
Description
The Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar is also known by these other names:
Miller Moth
The Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
lined   lines   striped   crawl   gray   brown   beige   tan   garden   outdoors   pest   harmful   spots   spotted
Sighting Guide
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
Size
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
0.67 inches
(17 mm)
Highest-High:
0.87 inches
(22 mm)
Identifying Colors
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
Tennessee County Reach
The Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Anderson; Bedford; Benton; Bledsoe; Blount; Bradley; Campbell; Cannon; Carroll; Carter; Cheatham; Chester; Claiborne; Clay; Cocke; Coffee; Crockett; Cumberland; Davidson; De Kalb; Decatur; Dickson; Dyer; Fayette; Fentress; Franklin; Gibson; Giles; Grainger; Greene; Grundy; Hamblen; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardeman; Hardin; Hawkins; Haywood; Henderson; Henry; Hickman; Houston; Humphreys; Jackson; Jefferson; Johnson; Knox; Lake; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Lewis; Lincoln; Loudon; Macon; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Maury; McMinn; McNairy; Meigs; Monroe; Montgomery; Moore; Morgan; Obion; Overton; Perry; Pickett; Polk; Putnam; Rhea; Roane; Robertson; Rutherford; Scott; Sequatchie; Sevier; Shelby; Smith; Stewart; Sullivan; Sumner; Tipton; Trousdale; Unicoi; Union; Van Buren; Warren; Washington; Wayne; Weakley; White; Williamson; Wilson
Army Cutworm Moth Caterpillar Picture (1)
1 of 1
Image of an Army Cutworm Moth caterpillar on the ground, outdoors.; Credit: Julie R. of Franklin, Tennessee.
This image is original to
www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.