Southern armyworm

Persectania ewingii

They are medium-sized, with a wingspan of 30-40 mm. Grey-brown to red-brown forewings with white zig-zag markings on the outer tips and a pointed white "dagger" in the middle of the forewing. The hind wings are dark grey Pupae are about 20 mm long, shiny brown and are found under clods or within cracks in the soil.