Variegated cutworm- row of single white to cream colored spots down center of back. (Head is toward the top of the picture)

Can feed on alfalfa, corn, tobacco, and other crops.

"Look-a-likes" are other non-striped caterpillars:

• Black cutworm- dark head and dark body, granulated or pigskin body, a pair of small and a pair of large spots on top of each body segment.
• European corn borer- head solid redbrown to black, body light pink to light gray with some faint spots, a faint line may be seen down the center of the back. Circle of hooks on prolegs has a small gap.
• Southwestern corn borer- dark head and light colored body, summer form has dark spots, winter form is spotless. Circle of hooks on prolegs is complete, no gap at all.