Redbacked Cutworm
Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée)

This caterpillar is brownish or grayish with a yellow brown head. It is up to 40 mm long. The back is usually reddish or reddish-brown bordered with dark bands. Adults are dirty yellow to dark red moths. Larvae feed on leaves at night and are found in the soil during the day. Damage generally occurs in early to late spring. Host plants: sugarbeets, alfalfa, clover, corn, cereals, mint, rape, mustard.