Formalis Dart
Common NameFormalis Dart
Scientific NameParabagrotis formalis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern and Central North America (e.g., California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, into parts of Canada)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding nocturnally on low-growing plants, and pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the dull brownish-grey forewing color, the prominent and thick black basal dash, and the clearly outlined orbicular and reniform spots. Distinguish from similar dart moths by these specific markings.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with dull brownish-grey forewings, characterized by a prominent, thick black basal dash and distinct black-outlined orbicular and reniform spots.
