Smith's Dart
Common NameSmith's Dart
Scientific NameEuxoa smithii
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, prairies, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (southern Canada, Great Plains, Rocky Mountain states to Arizona and California)
Host Plantsgrasses, alfalfa, clover, various garden vegetables and field crops
Flight PeriodLate July to early October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms that feed on various low-growing plants, overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewing coloration with well-defined, dark-outlined spots, particularly the claviform spot. Identification can be challenging due to similarity with other *Euxoa* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, mottled in shades of grey and brown, featuring distinct dark-outlined reniform, orbicular, and claviform spots. The hindwings are typically paler, often whitish, with a darker marginal band.
