Ardita Owlet
Common NameArdita Owlet
Scientific NameEuclidia ardita
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, dry slopes, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, British Columbia)
Host PlantsLathyrus, Lotus, Trifolium, Astragalus
Flight PeriodApril to August (often bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are semi-loopers that feed on various legume plants. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific pattern of dark, wavy lines on the forewings, particularly the 'omega' or figure-eight mark in the discal area. Overall coloration is a blend of browns and grays, providing excellent camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic forewings mottled in shades of brown and gray, featuring prominent dark wavy lines and a distinctive dark mark often resembling an omega or figure-eight. The hindwings, though not fully visible, are typically dark with a lighter median band.
