Feltia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Feltia: /ˈfɛl.ti.ə/

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Images

Summary

Feltia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, with notable diversity in North America and difficulty in species identification due to similar appearances. The dingy cutworm (Feltia jaculifera) is a common representative of this genus and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 3-4.5 cm; forewing is dark gray to black with a white, gray and tan pattern of streaks. Larvae have a light gray dorsal surface with four black dots on each abdominal segment, and pale yellow ventral surface.

Identification Tips

Difficult to identify; the illustrations in references may appear very dark. The W-shaped white lines on the forewing veins are distinctive features.

Habitat

Fields, gardens, waste areas; can be found in various types of vegetation including areas with composite flowers.

Distribution

Common throughout North America; includes eastern North America.

Diet

Adults may take nectar; larvae feed on over forty different plant species, including alfalfa, aster, blueberry, clover, corn, and many cultivated plants.

Life Cycle

Adults are seen flying from July to November; larvae overwinter and emerge in the spring.

Reproduction

Females oviposit in flower heads, particularly in those of Asteraceae.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae may act as pests to cultivated plants.

Economic Impact

Caterpillars may be pests on many cultivated plants and garden vegetables.

Collecting Methods

• Light trapping at night

Preservation Methods

• Standard entomological mounting techniques
• Liquid preservation

Similar Taxa

• Feltia herilis
• Feltia subgothica
• Feltia tricosa

Misconceptions

May be confused with several other species due to similar appearance.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Noctuidae
• Moths
• Feltia
• North America