Species Pseudohermonassa tenuicula - Morrison's Sooty Dart - Hodges#10951

10951

Spotless Dart

Xestia tenuicula

originally placed in genus Agrotis

described by Morrison in 1874

one of 4 species in this genus in North America listed at All-Leps

wingspan about 31 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG

Adult: forewing dark gray with black shading before and between orbicular and reniform spots; orbicular spot open at upper (costal) end only; usually lacks pale patches along costa at base of wing and at PM line, and lacks obvious pale dots in subterminal line (unlike Pink-spotted Dart in both respects); hindwing dirty white at base, shading to gray toward outer margin; terminal line thin, dark; fringe white or pale yellowish

across northern United States and southern Canada, north to Northwest Territories

adults fly from June to September

larvae feed on mannagrass (Glyceria spp.)

one generation per year

Pink-spotted Dart (Pseudohermonassa bicarnea) forewing usually has more prominent pale patches along costa near base and at PM line, more obvious pale dots in subterminal line, and orbicular spot is open at both ends

Moth Photographers Group

Moths of North Dakota

Pacific Northwest Moths

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum