The Greater Black-letter Dart is a common noctuid moth with intricately patterned gray-brown wings bearing the characteristic reniform and orbicular spots of dart moths. Its caterpillar, like those of most dart moths, feeds underground on plant roots and low stems. Adults are frequent visitors to lights throughout summer and early fall.
Best time to see a Greater Black-letter Dart
The best time to see a Greater Black-letter Dart is May–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 623 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Greater Black-letter Dart? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Greater Black-letter Dart sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Greater Black-letter Dart? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Greater Black-letter Dart is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.