Attentive Dart
Common NameAttentive Dart
Scientific NameLacinipolia lorea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsgrasses, dandelion, plantain, clover
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding on various herbaceous plants, and typically overwinter as pupae in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled brown and gray forewing pattern, especially the distinct, pale-outlined orbicular and reniform spots, which are key to distinguishing it from similar dart moths.
Description
This small to medium-sized moth has mottled brown and gray forewings, often with a darker median band, and features prominent, pale-ringed orbicular and reniform spots.
