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Ipsilon Dart Moth

Agrotis ipsilon

The Ipsilon Dart Moth, or Agrotis ipsilon, is a nocturnal species that can be found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. One of the most distinctive features of this moth is the small black wedge that descends from the reniform spot, which looks like the letter ‘Y’. In fact, the species name “ipsilon” is likely derived from the Greek letter upsilon (Υ υ) due to this resemblance.

The wings of the adult moth are typically a mix of gray, brown, and white with subtle patterns. These moths have a wingspan of about 35-40 mm. Interestingly, the larvae of the Ipsilon Dart Moth are known to be serious agricultural pests, causing damage to crops such as cotton, soybeans, and tobacco.

Habitat
Fields, gardens, agricultural areas
Scientific Name
Agrotis ipsilon
Status
Common
Wing Span
40mm to 55mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
brown
brown
grey
grey
Marking's Color
black
black
white
white
Markings Pattern
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Small black wedge descends from reniform spot (looks a bit like the letter ‘Y’)

  2. Another black wedge ascends from outer wing margin

  3. Lighter distal area

  4. Hindwing dirty white to grey in color

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.