Agrotis stigmosa

Morrison, 1874

Spotted Dart

Agrotis stigmosa, commonly known as the Spotted Dart, is a noctuid first described by Morrison in 1874. It is distributed across northern North America from New England westward through the Great Plains to eastern Alberta. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating conservation attention. are active in late spring and early summer, with a single per year.

Agrotis stigmosa cropped by Loopy30. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Agrotis stigmosa ASUHIC0114977 by Arizona State University Hasbrouck Insect Collection. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrotis stigmosa: /əˈɡroʊtɪs stɪɡˈmoʊsə/

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Identification

The can be distinguished from similar Agrotis species by its specific geographic distribution and period. The forewing length of approximately 36 mm provides a size reference. Accurate identification typically requires examination of genitalia or reference to regional faunal works. It may be confused with other Agrotis cutworm moths, but the combination of northeastern North American range and May-June activity helps narrow identification.

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Appearance

have forewings approximately 36 mm in length. As a member of the Agrotis, it exhibits typical noctuid with stout body and dull coloration, though specific pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Habitat

Found in open across its range, including grasslands, meadows, and agricultural areas. The has been associated with low-growing herbaceous vegetation. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented.

Distribution

North America: from New England and Quebec west to Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern Alberta. Canadian provinces with records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. United States distribution includes Vermont and presumably other New England states westward through the Great Plains.

Seasonality

are on wing from May to June depending on location. There is one per year. Larval activity occurs in spring and early summer, with in soil.

Diet

Larvae have been reared on Achillea (yarrow), but are likely feeders on various low-growing herbs. Specific natural plant range is not fully documented.

Host Associations

  • Achillea - larval food plantreared in captivity

Life Cycle

(one per year). emerge in late spring (May-June). are laid on or near plants. Larvae feed on low-growing herbs, growing through spring and early summer. occurs in soil, with pupae or small larvae .

Behavior

are . Larvae are likely nocturnal feeders, typical of cutworm moths in the Agrotis. Specific behavioral details are not well documented.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores in grassland and meadow . As a , larvae may occasionally damage agricultural crops, though specific economic impact is not documented. serve as potential and food source for .

Human Relevance

Listed as a of special concern in Connecticut, indicating conservation significance. No major documented agricultural pest status, though related Agrotis species are significant crop pests. Not known to be of direct economic importance.

Similar Taxa

  • Agrotis ipsilonSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by different geographic distribution patterns and periods in areas of overlap
  • Agrotis orthogoniaPale western cutworm with overlapping western range; distinguished by different preferences and larval
  • Other Agrotis speciesMany Agrotis are morphologically similar; accurate identification requires detailed examination of genitalia or molecular analysis

More Details

Conservation Status

Listed as a of special concern in the US state of Connecticut, indicating it may be at risk of becoming threatened or endangered without conservation attention

Taxonomic History

First described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874 (or 1875 in some sources)

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Sources and further reading