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2026 Moth Trapping Network: Report #2

April 24, 2026
Content Author: Ashley Dean

Trapping Update

Between April 15 and April 19, 18 trap sites reported a total of 42 black cutworm moths captured in traps (Figure 1). During that time, there were no significant flights (Figure 2); however, there was one additional significant flight reported in Polk County on April 13 that was not included in the previous report.

a map of Iowa counties that contains data for black cutworm moth captures from April 15 to April 19 2026
Figure 1. Black cutworm moth captures from April 15 to April 19. The bold numbers indicate total moth counts for the time period (for counties with multiple sites, only the site with the highest count is reported). Numbers in parentheses are a running total of the total season-long moth counts at the site. Highlighted counties without numbers indicate that traps are placed but no reports have been received.
map of Iowa counties that are highlighted to show the maximum 2-night capture of moths from April 15 to April 19 2026
Figure 2. Maximum two-night moth captures in each county during the time period (April 15 to April 19). Increasingly intense colors indicate more moths were captured. Counties highlighted red experienced a significant flight.

Using historical temperature data from the Midwest Regional Climate Center database, Table 1 shows the current projected cutting dates in counties that have had a significant flight. Actual spring temperatures will change these projections, so stay tuned to weekly updates! Remember that it is recommended to begin scouting well before these predicted dates to find larvae before they cut plants.

Table 1. Current projected cutting dates for counties with significant flights. Predictions will be updated weekly with accurate temperature data!
County (Crop Reporting District)Significant Flight Date (Biofix)Projected Cutting Date
Tama (Central)April 12May 10
Polk (Central)April 13May 10
Jackson (East Central)April 12May 10

Although no significant flights have been reported in southern Iowa yet, it is worth noting that scouting should begin even earlier in southern counties since temperatures are warmer and more degree days have likely accumulated.

More Information

For more information on black cutworm identification, injury, and management options, read the black cutworm encyclopedia article. You can find previous weekly reports on the ICM Blog.

2026 Report #1

Surrounding states also monitor and report black cutworm captures, as well as other moth species. If you live near the state border, it may be beneficial to check these resources periodically. More resources may be available than those listed here: 

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on April 24, 2026. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.

Authored by
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Ashley Dean
  • Extension Specialist II
Ashley is an extension specialist for field crop entomology at Iowa State University. Ashley coordinates the Iowa Moth Trapping Network, the Regional Corn Rootworm Monitoring Network, and the Iowa Pest Alert Network. She also develops educational resources for field crop pests in Iowa and aids in the research efforts of the Soybean Research Laboratory.

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