Clandestine Dart
Common NameClandestine Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis clandestina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, agricultural fields, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host Plantsgrasses, corn, tobacco, various garden vegetables, tree seedlings
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as cutworms, feeding on plant stems at night and hiding in the soil during the day. Pupation occurs underground.
Identification TipsLook for the cryptic mottled brown and gray forewings with prominent, often black-rimmed, kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots. The overall appearance is robust and somewhat pointed.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with mottled brown and gray forewings, featuring distinct black-outlined reniform and orbicular spots. Its hindwings are typically plain grayish-brown.
