White-striped Dart
Common NameWhite-striped Dart
Scientific NameEuxoa niveilinea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, light brown
HabitatPrairies, grasslands, open woodlands, agricultural fields
Geographic RangeNorth America (primarily central and western regions, including the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states)
Host Plantsgrasses, alfalfa, clover, dandelion, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding at night on plant stems near the ground and hiding in the soil during the day. They typically overwinter as eggs or young larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the overall dark coloration of the forewings, the prominent dark stigmata (spots), and the characteristic 'dart' moth shape. A subtle pale costal stripe may also be present.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with dark brown to blackish forewings, often featuring a subtle pale stripe along the costa, and distinct dark orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots.
