Old Man Dart
Common NameOld Man Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis venerabilis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across Canada and the United States)
Host Plantsvarious grasses, forbs, alfalfa, clover, corn, other agricultural crops
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding on the roots and stems of various low-growing plants, often causing damage to crops. They pupate underground.
Identification TipsLook for the overall grey-brown coloration, the prominent dark reniform and orbicular spots, and the characteristic dark dash or streak extending from the reniform spot towards the outer margin of the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring distinct dark reniform and orbicular spots, often with a dark dash extending from the reniform spot.
