Feltia tricosa

Lintner, 1874

tricose dart

Feltia tricosa, commonly known as the tricose dart, is a noctuid found in central North America. The has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. are active from July through September in northern portions of its range. The larvae are subterranean cutworms that have been observed feeding on a variety of plants. This species is notable as a for the ichneumon Ceratogastra ornata, which parasitizes its and early larval stages.

Feltia tricosa by (c) brendanboyd, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Feltia sp. (20669330196) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Feltia tricosa: /ˈfɛl.ti.ə ˈtraɪ.kə.sə/

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Identification

Specific identification features distinguishing Feltia tricosa from other Feltia are not documented in the available sources. The Feltia contains multiple similar-appearing dart moth species that typically require examination of genitalia or other microscopic features for definitive identification.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Detailed physical descriptions of coloration and pattern are not available in the provided sources.

Habitat

Specific preferences for this are not documented. As a member of the Feltia, it likely occupies open habitats including fields, meadows, and agricultural areas where larval plants are available.

Distribution

Central North America, ranging north to Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba in Canada. GBIF records also indicate presence in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Vermont.

Seasonality

are on wing from July to September in northern portions of the range. Activity periods may extend earlier or later in more southerly latitudes.

Diet

Larvae probably feed on a wide variety of plants, though specific records are not documented.

Host Associations

Ceratogastra ornata - Ichneumon that parasitizes or newly-hatched larvae; observed ovipositing into flower buds where Feltia eggs are laid

Life Cycle

Females lay in flower buds of plants such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) and Eupatorium (thoroughworts). Caterpillars hatch and migrate to the ground, completing their development as subterranean cutworms. occurs underground. The has one per year in northern areas.

Other Feltia speciesMultiple congeneric dart moths share similar appearance and habits; microscopic examination typically required for separation

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Originally described as Agrotis tricosa by Lintner in 1874, later transferred to Feltia.

Research Gaps

Detailed , larval range, and specific identification characters remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.