Dingy Cutworm Moth
Common NameDingy Cutworm Moth
Scientific NameFeltia jaculifera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, cream
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, gardens, agricultural areas, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico)
Host Plantsgrasses, clover, alfalfa, corn, tobacco, various garden vegetables
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae, known as cutworms, are stout, greyish-brown caterpillars that feed at night, often cutting young plants at the soil line. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with a dark, dagger-shaped claviform spot, and the pale-outlined reniform and orbicular spots. Hindwings are typically plain whitish to light brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring distinct pale-ringed reniform and orbicular spots, and a prominent dark dagger-like claviform spot extending from the base.
