I'll bet that it's a pupae of some sort. We'll be waiting for that picture!

Check out http://bugguide.net/node/view/70664 Do they look like that? This link will take you to Bug Guide's pupae identification page http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=pupae&search=Search

(Thanks for the link to BugGuide, botanybob, it's a real help).

YES!!!! That's it! Thank you for solving the mystery.

Next question - will they damage plants? I found them in the soil beneath a very wilted coreopsis. I can't seem to determine what is wrong with the coreopsis - everything I have read tells me that coreopsis is very drought and pest resistant.

Thanks again for your help.

Those are the pupae of a moth....can't really tell you for sure which one you might have because there are so many that are similar to each other. Many of the hornworm caterpillars (Sphinx Moths) have a similiar pupal stage.

Pupa do not eat. They are too busy changing into a moth (in this case). Most of the Sphinx moths are very pretty. The caterpillers are, too. You'll find them munching away on plants in your garden or yard. Many are host specific.

If it is a gypsy moth...squish it now!

Sorry..I don't usually advocate squishing without ID..

gypsy moth is devestating my area..and here's a link..your ID is mr from ma..is MA stands for massachusetts..you have gypsy moth too...

gypsy moth pupaes really ugly and hairy..here's a link..

Here is a link that might be useful: gypsy moth

Not a gypsy moth. They don't pupate in the ground.

I believe what talking about is the pupa of a cutworm. So you would want to destroy it so it doesn't breed in future years. I found several of them in my garden, along with dozens of cutworms and no other large insects. Check out the link, it's googled images of cutworm pupa.

Here is a link that might be useful: google pupa cutworm

Are Cutworms and Sphinx Moths in England? I but ten minutes ago found a pupa and I'm not sure whether its a Sphinx Moth or a Cutworm.