Larval development, pupation and adult emergence of black cutworms were investigated using 16 possible larval food sources. Food sources included crop plants, weeds and field debris. Larval survival was highest on bluegrass, curled dock and wheat while no larval survival occurred on giant foxtail or debris. Larval development from egg to pupa varied from 24.6 days on wheat to 47.0 days on annual morning glory.