Pale-banded Dart
Common NamePale-banded Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis vetusta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, grasslands, sandy areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (from Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Florida and Texas)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses, garden crops
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as cutworms, feeding at night on the stems of various low-growing plants near the ground. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brownish-grey forewings with prominent dark reniform and orbicular spots, and the overall robust 'dart' moth appearance. The pale banding can be subtle.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brownish-grey forewings, featuring distinct dark reniform and orbicular spots and faint wavy transverse lines. The hindwings are typically paler.
