DART MOTHS

Venerable Dart. Note the silvery fur collar or "muffler" around its head. 

Master's Dart, one of the more beautiful dart moths. Fresh individuals have a faint purplish color. 

Dingy Cutworm moth. This beautiful moth needs a better name. It is very similar to the Subgothic and Tricose Darts (see above), but Dingy Cutworms have white streaks extending from the lower corner of the reniform spot. 

Swordsman Dart, a very cool name. I have found a couple of these moths at my lights in late September and early October. 

Another Dingy Cutworm moth. These moths visit my lights in late August and September. 

I have found several Master's Darts at my lights, in late August and September. 

This moth is one of two Feltia species - either the Subgothic Dart or Tricose Dart. These two species are difficult to tell apart in photos. Note that it has more white streaking, especially along the outer wing margin, than the Master's Darts above. I find Subgothic/ Tricose Darts from late August through October. 

Another Venerable Dart. I have found a few individuals at my lights, in late September and early October. 

Greater Black-letter Dart. These are common at my lights from May through October. 

Another Master's Darts at my moth lights. 

Another Swordsman Dart at my moth lights. The streaks on their wings resemble a bunch of sharp sword blades. 

Another Greater Black-letter Dart. Note that there is a nearly identical species, the Lesser Black-letter Dart, but it has a smaller wingspan. All of the individuals that I have measured in my yard, including this one, are in the size range for the Greater Black-letter Dart. I have not yet found the Lesser one.