When disturbed, cutworms will:

When disturbed, cutworms will:

• A. Emit a stinking odor
• B. Sting
• C. Curl into a ball or C-shaped
• D. Burrow quickly into the soil

Answer: (C)

Defensive curling is the typical reaction cutworms show when disturbed. Curling into a tight C-shape protects their softer underside and head from potential predators, making it harder for someone to grab or bite them. This quick, protective posture is a common and reliable behavior for cutworms and many caterpillar-like larvae. While some pests may emit odors or retreat into the soil, the most recognizable and immediate response you’ll observe in cutworms is the C-shaped curl.

Defensive curling is the typical reaction cutworms show when disturbed. Curling into a tight C-shape protects their softer underside and head from potential predators, making it harder for someone to grab or bite them. This quick, protective posture is a common and reliable behavior for cutworms and many caterpillar-like larvae. While some pests may emit odors or retreat into the soil, the most recognizable and immediate response you’ll observe in cutworms is the C-shaped curl.