Dichagyris acclivis

The specific epithet 'acclivis' (Latin for 'sloping' or 'inclined') may refer to a subtle wing pattern feature. Precise identification likely requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis, as is common for many Noctuinae species. The late summer flight period (August–September) and association with prairie habitats may aid in field identification.

Adults have a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. As a member of the genus Dichagyris, it likely exhibits the typical dart moth morphology with stout body, relatively narrow forewings with intricate patterning, and more rounded hindwings.

Prairie and grassland habitats, particularly those supporting stands of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The species occurs in open areas with native warm-season grasses.

Eastern and central North America: southern Ontario and southern Massachusetts south to eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina; west to Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas; and south to east-central Texas.

Adults are on wing from August to September. Larval development presumably occurs earlier in the growing season, synchronized with seed development of the host grass.

Larvae feed on seeds of Panicum virgatum (switchgrass). Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Panicum virgatum - larval food plantlarvae feed specifically on seeds

Larvae develop on switchgrass seeds. Pupation likely occurs in soil or leaf litter. Adults emerge in late summer. Specific details of overwintering stage and number of generations per year are not documented.

As a seed predator on switchgrass, larvae may influence grass reproductive success and seed availability for other organisms in prairie ecosystems.

Listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating regional conservation priority due to habitat loss or population decline. The species may serve as an indicator of intact native prairie ecosystems.

• Other Dichagyris speciesMany Dichagyris species are morphologically similar and require detailed examination for separation; D. acclivis may be distinguished by distribution, habitat association, and flight period in combination with subtle morphological features.
• Other Noctuinae dart mothsGeneral resemblance in body form and wing pattern to numerous prairie-associated noctuids; identification relies on specific wing markings and genitalia.

• noctuid moth
• prairie specialist
• seed predator
• conservation concern
• North America
• late summer flight

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy