Skellon's Dart
Common NameSkellon's Dart
Scientific NameIchneutica skelloni
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatGrasslands, shrublands, open forests
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host Plantsvarious grasses, herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodOctober to May
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are polyphagous cutworms feeding on grasses and herbaceous plants, typically pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic mottled brown and grey forewings, prominent dark reniform and orbicular stigmata, and a wavy subterminal line. Often rests camouflaged on bark or soil.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring distinct dark reniform and orbicular stigmata and a wavy subterminal line.
