Darksided cutworm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darksided cutworm |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Agrotini
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| Genus: |
Euxoa
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| Species: |
E. messoria
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| Binomial name | |
| Euxoa messoria (Harris, 1841)
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The Euxoa messoria, also known as the darksided cutworm or reaper dart, is a type of moth. It belongs to the Noctuidae family, which are often called owlet moths. This moth was first officially described by a scientist named Thaddeus William Harris in 1841.
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What is the Darksided Cutworm?
The darksided cutworm is a small, night-flying moth. It gets its common name "cutworm" because its larvae (caterpillars) often cut down young plants at the soil line. The "darksided" part likely refers to its appearance. It is also sometimes called the "reaper dart."
Where Does the Darksided Cutworm Live?
This moth can be found across a large part of North America. Its habitat stretches from Newfoundland in the east, all the way west to Yukon. In the eastern United States, it lives as far south as Virginia and Missouri. In the western parts, you can find it in New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
What Does the Darksided Cutworm Look Like?
The darksided cutworm moth is not very big. Its wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are spread out) is usually between 32 and 36 millimeters. That's about the length of a few paper clips lined up! The moths typically have dull, earthy colors, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.
The Darksided Cutworm's Life Cycle
These moths usually fly during the warmer months. You can often spot them from July to September. The exact time depends on where they live. For example, moths in a warmer southern state might appear earlier than those in a colder northern region. The darksided cutworm has one generation each year. This means that the moths lay eggs, which hatch into larvae, then turn into pupae, and finally emerge as adult moths, all within a single year.
What Do Darksided Cutworms Eat?
While the adult moths feed on nectar from flowers, it's the larvae (caterpillars) that are known for their eating habits. These young cutworms enjoy a variety of plants. They feed on the leaves of fruit trees like apple trees. They also munch on many different kinds of cultivated vegetables and garden flowers. Besides these, they eat leaves from various other wild plants too.
