Tessellate Dart
Common NameTessellate Dart
Scientific NameEuxoa tessellata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, tan
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, gardens, agricultural areas, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across Canada, United States, and parts of Mexico)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses, garden vegetables (e.g., corn, beans, lettuce, cabbage)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding at night on plant stems near the soil line. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the species typically overwinters as eggs or young larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and grey forewings with distinct, often pale-ringed reniform and orbicular spots, and a prominent, dark claviform spot. The overall 'tessellated' or somewhat checkered appearance of the forewings is characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with cryptically patterned forewings in shades of brown, grey, and black, featuring prominent, often pale-outlined reniform, orbicular, and claviform spots.
