Normal Dart
Common NameNormal Dart
Scientific NameAcerra normalis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsclover, dandelion, plantain, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are cutworms, feeding on roots and lower stems of herbaceous plants, and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive, dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots on a mottled grey-brown forewing, often with a darker median area.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring prominent, dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots.
