Enigmatic Dart
Common NameEnigmatic Dart
Scientific NameXestia perquiritata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatConiferous forests, mixed woodlands, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsVaccinium, Salix, Alnus, various conifers and herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on foliage and pupate in the soil or leaf litter, overwintering as pupae or sometimes as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and grey forewings with prominent, often dark-filled reniform and orbicular spots, and a generally robust, furry appearance typical of dart moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown, grey, and black forewings featuring intricate patterns of dark patches and lighter lines, and a furry, dark brown thorax.
