Kingdom Animalia Order Lepidoptera Genus Xestia Higher classification Xestia | Phylum Arthropoda Family Noctuidae Scientific name Xestia badicollis Rank Species | |
Similar Xestia, Xestia dolosa, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Butterflies and moths | ||
The Northern Variable Dart, Northern Conifer Dart or White Pine Cutworm when referring to the larval stage (Xestia badicollis) is a moth of the Noctuidae family. It is found from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, west to Missouri and Ontario. It is part of the elimata species group. Three of the species in this group (Xestia praevia, Xestia elimata and Xestia badicollis) have no significant difference in both genitals and DNA, suggesting they may be in fact one species.
This wingspan is 32–45 mm. The moth flies from July to October depending on the location. There is one generation per year.
The larva feed on Eastern white pine and less frequent balsam fir, eastern hemlock, eastern larch, white spruce and other conifers.
References
Xestia badicollis Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA