Two-spotted Dart
Common NameTwo-spotted Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis bilitura
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black, tan
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to the Rocky Mountains)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses, alfalfa, clover
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding at night on low-growing plants and hiding in the soil during the day. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive combination of mottled brown and gray forewings with prominent dark reniform and orbicular spots, and a dark basal dash. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend into its surroundings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown, gray, and tan forewings featuring prominent dark reniform and orbicular spots, a dark basal dash, and wavy transverse lines.
