Agrotine Midget Moth
Common NameAgrotine Midget Moth
Scientific NameElaphria agrotina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCondicinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, dark brown, blackish
HabitatWoodlands, forests, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, adult. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various herbaceous plants and grasses.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive broad, dark median band on the pale forewings and a dark reniform spot. Its small, robust build is also characteristic.
Description
A small, robust moth with pale tan to cream forewings featuring a broad, irregular dark brown to blackish median band and a dark reniform spot. The hindwings are typically grayish.
