Numbers
one of only two species in this genus in North America
Size
adult: wingspan about 40 mm
larva: 30-35 mm
Identification
Adult: forewing ground color dark brown, crossed by two pale prominent intersecting lines and several smaller/shorter pale lines
Larva: head reddish-brown; body varies from pale green to blackish olive green with alternating lateral stripes of black, white, and yellow; under-side of body brownish-green; spiracles white (Oregon State U.)
Caterpillar, pupa, and adult:
Range
Wisconsin and Manitoba to British Columbia, south to California and Arizona
Season
larvae found until June or July
adults fly in August and September in the north; much earlier (spring) in the south
Food
larvae feed on grasses, particularly Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Life Cycle
overwinters as partly-mature larva
Remarks
Does not occur in eastern North America.
See Also
markings on wings of adult are reminiscent of
Feltia species in the tribe Agrotini, subfamily Noctuinae
Internet References
live adult, larva, and egg images plus common name reference [Girdler Moth], host plant, and season (Jeremy Tatum, Butterflies and Moths of Southern Vancouver Island)
live adult, larva, and egg images plus common name reference [Olive Green Cutworm], description, biology and other info (Oregon State U.)
adult images (Larry Line, California)
pinned adult image (Agriculture Canada)
live larva image (Agriculture Canada)
