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Army cutworm
The army cutworm is the immature form of Euxoa auxiliaris.[1][2] Together with other moths that are locally abundant and that have scales that dislodge from the wings,[3] the adult moth is called a miller moth.[1][3]  These native North American larvae consume emerging small grains, alfalfa, and canola in the southern Great Plains[4] and southern Canada.[5] Larvae[clarification needed] feed above ground at night and usually hide in soil during daylight, but will also feed on cloudy days.[6][clarification needed] On dry, low elevation rangelands of the U.S. Intermountain West, army cutworms consume exotic cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and mustards to produce cheatgrass "die-offs." Within these bare areas, the larvae also defoliate native shrubs including four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.).[7] The miller moth is a seasonal nuisance in the spring in states including Montana,[3] Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Kansas, as they hatch in the low-lying farmlands, then migrate to higher elevations for the summer. They return as the weather cools but in smaller numbers. They are considered nearly impossible to control through normal pest extermination techniques because a new batch shows up every day as they migrate. With their very small bodies, they enter homes (attracted by the light) in the evening through any available crack or crevice (doorjamb, chimney, etc.) and residents in migration paths report dozens of moths per day entering their homes and garages. However, other than being a nuisance, they are not considered harmful.[8][9][10] LocationEuxoa auxiliaris is commonly found in the Western section and prairies of the United States. They are known to travel to alpine climate regions in late June and early July where they feed at night on the nectar of wildflowers. Army cutworms are one of the richest foods for predators, such as brown bears, in this ecosystem, where up to 72% of the moth's body weight is fat, thus making it more calorie-rich than elk or deer.[11] This is the highest known body fat percentage of any animal.[12] References
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