Dinalda Owlet
Common NameDinalda Owlet
Scientific NameSympistis dinalda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyOncocnemidinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, sagebrush scrub, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico)
Host PlantsArtemisia spp.
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on sagebrush, pupate in the soil, and adults are active in late summer and fall.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive grey and white mottled forewing pattern with strong, scalloped black transverse lines and clearly defined black-outlined reniform and orbicular spots, typical of arid-region Sympistis moths.
Description
This medium-sized moth has forewings mottled in shades of grey and white, characterized by prominent black transverse lines and distinctly outlined reniform and orbicular spots, providing excellent camouflage.
