Insect
Ipsilon Dart Moth
Agrotis ipsilonAlso known as Dark Sword-Grass, Black Cutworm, Greasy Cutworm, Floodplain Cutworm
Named for the distinctive black dagger-shaped mark resembling the Greek letter upsilon on each forewing, the ipsilon dart moth is a strong nocturnal flyer capable of migrating thousands of kilometers each spring. Female moths deposit eggs near the base of low-growing plants, where dark, greasy-looking caterpillars emerge to feed at night. These larvae cut down young crop seedlings right at the soil line, hiding in dirt crevices during the day to avoid visual predators.
NocturnalMigratoryAgricultural Pest
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyNectar, Crop Seedlings, Weed Leaves
Predators
- Bats
- Birds
- Ground Beetles
ThreatsAgricultural tilling, pesticides, and insect traps
HabitatsAgricultural fields, gardens, pastures, and disturbed grasslands
Life span30–60 days
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusAgrotis
- SpeciesAgrotis ipsilon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Trapping: Observe adult moths at night near porch lights or UV light traps.
- Garden Protection: Use physical collars around seedling stems to prevent larval feeding.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Allan Harris · cc0
Co-Occurring Pest (c) Bernie Paquette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bernie Paquette · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
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