Smaller Pinkish Dart
Common NameSmaller Pinkish Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis ipsilon
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, grasslands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide, except Antarctica)
Host Plantscorn, soybeans, cotton, various vegetables, grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as cutworms, which are stout, greasy-looking caterpillars that feed at night, often cutting young plants at the soil line. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with a prominent black dagger-like streak extending from the reniform spot, and a pale orbicular spot. Hindwings are typically pale with darker veins and margins.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled reddish-brown and tan forewings, featuring distinct dark kidney-shaped and dagger-like markings, and paler hindwings.
