The western bean cutworm (WBC) is a native North American pest that feeds mainly on corn. Historically the WBC covered the western Great Plains states but has rapidly expanded the last two decades eastward across the United States Corn Belt, causing significant economic damage to corn in most parts of this region. 

WBC is not a true “cutworm” in that it feeds on the reproductive parts of the plants and not by cutting stems as many cutworms do. The WBC is a late-season pest and larval feeding coincides with ear development.