Bug FAQBronzed Cutworm Moth
Nephelodes minians · Order: Lepidoptera · Family: Noctuidae
Also called: Bronzed Cutworm
Source: Wikipedia
The bronzed cutworm moth has a wingspan of about 4 cm and belongs to the Noctuidae family. It lives across most of North America except Florida and nearby states, and adults are on the wing from July through October. Its caterpillars eat various grasses, which can include important crops such as corn.
Source: Wikipedia
How to recognize it
This species is called Nephelodes minians, commonly known as the bronzed cutworm or shaded umber moth, and is a member of the Noctuidae family.
Source: Wikipedia
Size
The adult’s wingspan measures roughly 40 mm.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
It occurs throughout most of North America, but not in Florida or the states nearby.
Source: Wikipedia
What it eats
The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses, including crops like corn and other cereals.
Source: Wikipedia
Life cycle
Adults are active from July to October, with timing varying by location.
Source: Wikipedia
When you see it
The flight period spans July through October depending on where they are found.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
Its native range covers most of the continent except Florida and adjacent areas.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it is found in the US
Recorded in 47 of 51 states and DC. Most records: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Colorado.
Darker = more records. Counts are museum and citizen-science records, not population size.
Source: GBIF
Status: native in North America; native in United States; native in Canada. Source: iNaturalist
Months it is reported in the US
Source: GBIF
More photos
Questions people ask
Does the bronzed cutworm damage crops?
Yes, its larvae feed on grasses such as corn and other cereal crops, causing agricultural damage.
Source: Wikipedia
When can I see adult bronzed cutworm moths?
Adults are typically on the wing from July through October, though the exact timing depends on the region.
Source: Wikipedia
Same family (Noctuidae)
Ipsilon Dart MothAgrotis ipsilonDamages trees, gardens or crops
Fall Armyworm MothSpodoptera frugiperdaDamages trees, gardens or crops
Army Cutworm MothEuxoa auxiliarisDamages trees, gardens or crops
Large Yellow UnderwingNoctua pronubaDamages trees, gardens or crops
Silver ΥAutographa gamma
American DaggerAcronicta americanaCan irritate skinSources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephelodes_minians
Look it up elsewhere: GBIF · iNaturalist · BugGuide · ITIS · Wikipedia
Text written 2026-10-22 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-22.