Ipsilon Dart Moth

Also 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.