I came here looking for answers of this as well. Mine wilted and some type of inchworms were chewing leaves. They were much smaller than hookworms and almost a vibrant green color. Even after I removed them all on several plants in different pots in different properties, they all declined a slow and steady death. I assumed it was more due to it being 90+ here in Florida and a bunch of rain. Will Swiss Chard last the summer in a hot and wet environment here in Florida?

Leafminers. Part of the life cycle is in the soil. So, next time you plant, do so in an entirely different place and immediately use row cover to protect them from the egg-laying adults.

wow.. thank you for the link.. hmmmm.. where is my microscope..?? Not really..but somewhat..look alike. well, you have been so kind and helpful..all who have responded. maybe i should call it a scale and leave it as that. i know i could peel the little things off , and underneath ( where the thing was,the leaf was a little lighter color..( maybe because the scale or whatever blocked the sunlight).. anyway, it has been fun, educational, and ..yes, let's call it some kind of scale. blessings to you and thanks again for ALL your input and help.!! alice

Cutworms, generally, do not chew plant leaves but do chew on the plant stems cutting them off near the soil thus the name "cutworm". The damage you have pictured looks more like something a slug, snail, earwig, cabbageworms, or cabbage loopers would cause. Since slugs, snails and earwigs are mostly nocturnal they will not always be on the plants during daylight hours, but may be found hiding where it is cool and moist like under rocks or mulches. There are reports of limited success controlling cutworms with baits containing Bacillus thuringiensis - Kurstaki (BTK), somewhat better results using Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and encouraging beneficial nematodes and Trichogramma Wasps to hang around. kimmq is kimmsr