OLD MAN DART

Agrotis vetusta

OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)


Description

The Old Man Dart moth has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (35-42 mm).  The forewing is light powder gray with a dark reniform spot.  The postmedial lines and  terminal lines are a series of black dots.  The hindwing and the abdomen are white.  The larva is gray with dark longitudinal subdorsal lines.  The head is pale orange with dark dorsal spots.



Occurrence

The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known.  It is considered common and widespread in North America.  It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late September 2015.  Adults fly from late July to mid-October. 



Comments

The larvae feed on broadleaf herbaceous plants in at least 13 families including bean, corn, lettuce, tobacco and tomato.





Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Nature Association who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.

Old Man Dart

View Full Size

 

 

 

 

© 2008 Fontenelle Forest. All Rights Reserved. | Website Design by REBEL INTERACTIVE