Species › Insects & Arthropods › Greater Black-letter Dart

Greater Black-letter Dart

Xestia dolosa

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Greater Black-letter Dart (Xestia dolosa)

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.

Habitat
Gardens, meadows, roadsides, and mixed forests
Diet
Larvae: herbaceous plant roots and low vegetation. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

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.

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Recent Greater Black-letter Dart sightings near you

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