MASTER'S DART
Feltia herilis
OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)
Description
The Master's Dart has a wingspan of 1.50 to 1.75 inches. The forewing is dark violet-gray to violet-brown, including the costa. The PM line is more complete than in other Feltia species, and the orbicular spot is fatter and rounded or U-shaped. A pale whitish streak running longitudinally through the center of the wing stops abruptly just below the level of the reniform spot which is also pale whitish. The orbicular spot is the same dark color as the strip running along the costa. The subterminal area is brown with no pale streaks running through it. The hindwing is plain gray on the outer half shading to light yellowish-gray on the inner half. The larva is smooth, dirty brown with weak patterning and grows to about 1.50 inches. The top has chocolate-brown subdorsal stripes. This species is very similar to 3 other Feltia species (F. subgothica, Subgothic Dart, F. tricosa, Tricose Dart and F. jaculifera, Dingy Cutworm). Their larvae cannot be distinguished from each other by sight.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence is not known at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It was photographed coming to lights in Fontenelle Forest in late August 2013. Adults fly from July to October. Adults may take nectar.
Comments
The larvae feed on more than 40 plant species including crops, vegetables, forbs and herbs. Another common name for this species is Herald Dart.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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