Agrotis spp., commonly known as gray grubs, are noctuid lepidopterans that affect a wide variety of crops, including celery. These insects go through several stages of development: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adult females lay their eggs in the soil or at the base of plants, which hatch within a few days. The larvae, known as gray worms, emerge and remain in the soil during the day, feeding at night. During their larval development, which can last several weeks, they go through several molts and become larger and darker. Mature larvae burrow into the soil to pupate, pupating in an earthen cocoon. The pupal period can last several weeks depending on the temperature, after which the adults emerge to complete the cycle. Gray worms can have several generations a year, especially in warm climates.