Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Measurement of Larval Feeding Parameters on Field Corn in the Greenhouse1

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Abstract
The feeding behavior of mid- to late larval instars of Agrotis ipsiton (Hufnagel) on seedling corn was studied in the greenhouse: The following specific feeding parameters were measured: cutting rates, expressed as mean number of seedlings cut per day per larva and the mean number cut as a function of corn growth stage; and the percent frequency with which larvae cut and then consumed a seedling before cutting a new one. The results showed that a larvae of the jth instar with cut progressively fewer seedlings at each succeeding corn growth stage. Further, once seedlings were cut they were usually consumed before a larva cut a new one. These findings constitute important inputs for a crop loss model that assists researchers in estimating the damage potential of the black cutwonn on field corn.