Feltia herilis

Can be distinguished from similar Feltia species and other noctuid moths by examination of genitalia and specific wing pattern characteristics. The combination of geographic range, flight period (July–October), and habitat association assists in field identification. Molecular identification may be required for definitive separation from closely related species.

Adults have a wingspan of 34–44 mm. Forewings are typically dull brown to grayish-brown with variable darker markings. Hindwings are pale with darker margins. The overall coloration is cryptic, typical of many noctuid moths. Specific diagnostic markings for this species require examination of wing pattern details and genitalia.

Occupies diverse habitats across its broad North American range. Larval habitat includes agricultural fields, grasslands, and areas with herbaceous vegetation where host plants grow. Adults are attracted to light and may be found in various terrestrial environments including urban areas.

Native to North America. Range extends from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, north to the Northwest Territories border, and south to the Gulf Coast of the United States. Present in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and throughout the contiguous United States within these latitudinal bounds.

Adults are on wing from July to October. The species has one generation per year (univoltine).

Larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including crops, forages, vegetables, forbs, and herbs. Adults have been reported to feed on nectar, with one observation on Liatris.

• Liatris - adult nectar sourcesingle documented observation

Complete metamorphosis with one generation per year. Eggs are laid on host plants. Larvae feed on vegetation and overwinter in the soil as mature larvae or pupae. Adults emerge in mid-summer and are active through autumn.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on plant stems and roots at or below ground level.

Larvae function as herbivores in terrestrial ecosystems. The species serves as host for parasitoid wasps, including the ichneumon wasp Ceratogastra ornata, which parasitizes eggs or early instar larvae.

Larvae can be agricultural pests due to their polyphagous feeding habits on crops and vegetables. The species is of interest in ecological studies of noctuid moth communities and parasitoid-host relationships.

• Other Feltia speciesSimilar morphology and overlapping ranges; require genitalia examination or molecular analysis for definitive identification
• Agrotis speciesFormerly classified in Agrotis; similar cutworm larval habits and adult morphology

• Noctuidae
• cutworm
• North America
• univoltine
• agricultural pest
• parasitoid host

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