Pink-spotted Dart
Common NamePink-spotted Dart
Scientific NameDiarsia rubifera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, open fields, clearings
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsblueberry, willow, birch, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are generalist feeders on various herbaceous plants and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown and reddish-brown forewings with distinct dark orbicular and reniform spots, and the pale greyish-tan patch on the anterior thorax.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings featuring reddish-brown patches and prominent dark orbicular and reniform spots. The thorax often has a contrasting pale greyish-tan patch.
