American Swordgrass Moth
Common NameAmerican Swordgrass Moth
Scientific NameXylena nupera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)57.5
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, shrublands, and areas with host trees.
Geographic RangeNorth America, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and California.
Host Plantswillow, poplar, birch, various deciduous trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (overwinter) and March to May
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in spring, larvae feed on deciduous trees and shrubs through spring and early summer, then pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in late summer/fall, overwinter, and re-emerge in early spring to mate.
Identification TipsLook for the contrasting dark head and thorax with the mottled, bark-like forewings. Key features include the prominent reniform and orbicular spots, and the overall elongated, somewhat pointed appearance of the forewings when at rest.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its dark brown head and thorax, and forewings mottled with shades of light brown, grey, and black, featuring distinct reniform and orbicular spots. Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark or dead leaves.
