Bent-line dart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Choephora fungorum |
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Choephora
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C. fungorum
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| Choephora fungorum Grote & Robinson, 1868
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The bent-line dart (Choephora fungorum) is a type of moth that belongs to the Noctuidae family. These moths are often called "dart moths" because of their quick, darting flight. You can find them in many parts of eastern North America.
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Discover the Bent-Line Dart Moth
The bent-line dart moth is a fascinating insect. It gets its common name from the distinct bent or wavy lines often seen on its wings. This moth is a member of a very large group of moths known as the Noctuidae, which includes many common species.
Home Sweet Home: Bent-Line Dart Habitats
The bent-line dart moth lives across a wide area in eastern North America. They can be found from southern Ontario in Canada, down through states like Pennsylvania and southern Michigan. Their range extends south all the way to the Gulf Coast of northern Florida. To the west, you might spot them in central Kansas and eastern Texas. This wide range means they can adapt to different environments.
What Does It Look Like?
The bent-line dart moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other) usually measures between 33 and 47 millimeters. That's about 1.3 to 1.8 inches, or roughly the length of a few paperclips lined up. The exact colors and patterns can vary a bit, but they typically have earthy tones that help them blend into their surroundings.
When Do They Fly?
These moths are active during the fall season. You can usually see them flying from September to November. The exact time they appear depends on where they live. Moths in warmer southern areas might fly later into the fall compared to those in cooler northern regions. They are often nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
What Do Bent-Line Dart Larvae Eat?
Like all moths, the bent-line dart starts its life as a larva, also known as a caterpillar. These caterpillars need to eat a lot to grow. They feed on several different plants. Their diet includes Trifolium species, which are common plants found in many fields and gardens. They also eat Nicotiana, which is a plant related to tobacco. In addition, they munch on various common herbaceous weeds. Scientists have even raised them on Taraxacum species, which are dandelions.
