Cuta Moth
Common NameCuta Moth
Scientific NamePonometia cuta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada to Florida and west to Texas)
Host PlantsSmartweed (Polygonum spp.), various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on herbaceous plants, particularly smartweed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the sharp contrast between the white basal and dark brown outer forewing, often with a few white spots in the dark area. Its small size is also a key feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by its starkly bicolored forewings, which are white on the basal half and dark brown on the outer half, often with additional white markings within the brown.
