Bristly Cutworm Moth
Common NameBristly Cutworm Moth
Scientific NameLacinipolia renigera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsbrown, green, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across Canada and the United States)
Host Plantsgrasses, clover, dandelion, plantain, corn, alfalfa
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine or multivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as bristly cutworms, are stout, grayish-brown caterpillars that feed at night on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, often cutting young plants at the base. They overwinter as pupae or larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown and green forewings, particularly the bright green patches and the white-outlined kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots. Its relatively small size for a cutworm moth is also a clue.
Description
This small, robust moth has mottled brown forewings with prominent green patches and white-outlined reniform and orbicular spots, providing excellent camouflage.
