A higher number of moths are being reported in Northern Nevada compared to past years.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture entomology laboratory is receiving a lot of inquiries about them. The moths are the adults of the army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris), an insect native to Nevada.

The army cutworm overwinters as partially grown larvae – caterpillars – in the soil. They feed on a variety of plants for a couple of months when the weather warms up in the spring.

The moths pupate then emerge as adult moths. The adult moths, called millers, feed on nectar and some pollen and therefore are not generally a threat to gardens or crops.

While the moths may be a nuisance, officials do not recommend spraying with them pesticides.

For more info, call 775.353.3767.