Dispulsa Dagger Moth
Common NameDispulsa Dagger Moth
Scientific NameCharadra dispulsa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPantheinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, gray, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, hickory
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled gray and white forewings with wavy black lines and a prominent reniform spot, along with its hairy thorax and antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a mottled gray and white appearance, featuring intricate black lines and spots on its forewings, and a hairy body.
