Speckled Cutworm Moth
Common NameSpeckled Cutworm Moth
Scientific NamePolia nimbosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, open areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from Newfoundland west to British Columbia, south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsbirch, willow, maple, blueberry, various deciduous trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae, known as cutworms, feed on foliage, typically at night, and pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in late spring to summer.
Identification TipsIdentify by the speckled grey and brown forewings with prominent, often outlined, reniform and orbicular spots, and characteristic reddish-brown shading, particularly in the median area and along the costa.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring distinct reniform and orbicular spots, often accented with reddish-brown patches.
