Image: Cutworms Feeding on Asparagus in Garden Soil

This high-resolution image captures a detailed, close-up look at several cutworms actively feeding on young asparagus spears in a freshly cultivated garden bed. The scene is set at ground level, allowing the viewer to see the insects and plants from the perspective of the soil surface. Three plump, grayish-brown cutworms dominate the foreground, their segmented bodies curled into characteristic C-shapes as they cling to and chew into the tender stem of an asparagus shoot. Their bodies appear slightly translucent, revealing subtle internal shading and texture, while the surface shows fine ridges and tiny dark speckles typical of cutworm larvae.

The asparagus spear being eaten shows clear signs of damage: ragged bites, frayed fibers, and fresh, pale tissue exposed where the worms have removed the outer layers. Another healthy asparagus spear stands just to the left, upright and uninjured, its smooth green surface and purplish triangular scales contrasting sharply with the damaged shoot. More young asparagus spears rise in the background, slightly blurred due to the shallow depth of field, creating a sense of depth and emphasizing the focal point in the foreground.

The soil appears rich, dark, and slightly moist, composed of fine particles mixed with small lumps and organic matter. Tiny green sprouts emerge sporadically around the asparagus, suggesting early-stage garden growth. Lighting is soft and natural, enhancing texture on both the insects and the plants while maintaining a warm, earthy tone. Overall, the image conveys a realistic and biologically accurate depiction of cutworm damage in a vegetable garden, highlighting both the vulnerability of young crops and the ecological interactions occurring at the soil surface.

The image is related to: Growing Asparagus: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners