What do black cutworm larvae do to plants?

Black cutworm larvae are known for their distinctive feeding habits that occur just above or below the soil surface, which can cause significant damage to plants. This behavior primarily targets young seedlings and can result in the cutting of stems as the larvae take bites out of the plants near the base, leading to plant wilting or death.

Additionally, these larvae tend to be more active during the night, making the option that specifies their feeding location particularly pertinent. While it's true that they can also affect roots by feeding nearby, their most characteristic damage occurs at the stem level where they cut plants off. Understanding this behavior is crucial for effective pest management strategies in agriculture, ensuring that farmers can take preventive measures to protect their crops from black cutworm infestations.