Hodges#10676
Feltia herilis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Noctuidae
- Subfamily: Noctuinae
- Tribe: Noctuini
- Subtribe: Agrotina
- Genus: Feltia
- Species: herilis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Feltia herilis: /ˈfɛl.ti.ə ˈhɛ.rɪ.lɪs/
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Summary
Feltia herilis, commonly known as the Herald Dart or Master's Dart, is a moth of the family Noctuidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It is widely distributed in North America and characterized by its specific wing patterns and feeding habits.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 34–44 mm; forewing dark violet-gray to violet-brown; PM line more complete than in other Feltia species; orbicular spot 'fatter' and more rounded or U-shaped; pale whitish streak running longitudinally through center of wing; hindwing medium gray on outer half, shading to light yellowish-gray on inner half.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive orbicular spot and the complete PM line compared to other Feltia species; the pale streak through the center of the wing is another identification feature.
Habitat
Varied habitats including fields and cultivated lands.
Distribution
Found throughout the United States and coast to coast in southern Canada.
Diet
Larvae feed on over 40 plant species including crops, forages, vegetables, and forbs/herbs. Adults may feed on nectar, reported to feed on Blazing Star (Liatris).
Life Cycle
One generation per year; adults are on wing from July to October.
Tags
- Moth
- Noctuidae
- Feltia herilis
- Herald Dart
- Master's Dart