Soothsayer Dart
Common NameSoothsayer Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis venerabilis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across Canada and the United States)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses, garden vegetables
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding on roots and stems of various plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil in spring, with adults emerging in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey forewings with prominent, dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend in with bark or dead leaves.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, typically mottled in shades of brown and grey, featuring distinct dark reniform and orbicular spots. The hindwings are usually paler.
