Cutworm is a general term for the larvae of many flying moth species. Cutworms are soft bodied caterpillars that come in a wide variety of colors, but are often gray or brown. While the adult moths are harmless to plants, the cutworms (larvae) feed on plants near the soil surface and are detrimental to young plants. Cutworms complete between 1 and 5 generations per year, depending on the species. The larvae typically overwinter in the soil or in garden debris. The larvae typically cause the most damage in the early spring.