The Argentine
Common NameThe Argentine
Scientific NameHoplodrina ambigua
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to South America (Argentina, Chile) and North America
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, dock, clover, grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, and typically overwinter before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white or pale kidney-shaped reniform stigma on the forewing, set against a mottled brown and tan background. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with bark or dead leaves.
Description
This moth has mottled brown and tan forewings, characterized by a prominent, often white, kidney-shaped mark (reniform stigma) and darker markings near the leading edge. Its hindwings are typically paler and grayish.
