Brown or pink cutworm

Cutworm larvae are generally plump, greasy in appearance, and smooth bodied with most having uniform colouring ranging from pinkish brown to black. They grow up to 40-50 mm long and hide under the soil or litter by day, making them difficult to detect. They can often be located by scratching the surface near damaged plants; when disturbed they curl-up and remain stiff as a defensive response. Moths vary in colour from dull brown to black with wingspans ranging from 30-50 mm.