Spaelotis clandestina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spaelotis clandestina |
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Spaelotis
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S. clandestina
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| Spaelotis clandestina (Harris, 1841)
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The clandestine dart or w-marked cutworm (Spaelotis clandestina) is a type of moth. It belongs to a large family of moths called Noctuidae, which are often known as owlet moths. This moth gets its name "clandestine" because it can be quite good at hiding!
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Discover the Clandestine Dart Moth
The clandestine dart moth is a fascinating insect found across a wide area. It's known for its unique markings and its role in nature.
Where Does This Moth Live?
You can find the clandestine dart moth in many places across North America. It lives all the way from one side of Canada to the other, reaching up to southern Alaska. In the eastern United States, it's found from Maine down to western North Carolina. It also lives west to northern Ohio, and through states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. You can even spot it along the Rocky Mountains, from Montana down to southern Arizona.
What Does the Clandestine Dart Moth Look Like?
This moth has a wingspan of about 38 millimeters. That's about the length of a standard paperclip! Adult moths are usually seen flying around from May all the way through October.
Life Cycle and What They Eat
The young of the clandestine dart moth are called larvae, or caterpillars. These caterpillars like to munch on many different kinds of plants. They feed on trees, shrubs, and other plants. Some of their favorite foods include:
- Blueberry plants (Vaccinium)
- Maple trees (Acer)
- Pine trees (Pinus)
- Plants from the pea family (Fabaceae)
- Cabbage and broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea)
- Corn (Zea mays)
- Apple trees (Malus)
- Strawberry plants (Fragaria)
These caterpillars can sometimes eat a lot, especially if there are many of them in one area.
