dingy cutworm moth

The forewing is dark gray to black with a complex pattern of whitish streaks, bars, and veins. Two whitish streaks extend from the basal area nearly to the outer margin. The kidney-shaped spot in the median area (reniform spot) is often pale orange. The long, dark gray, wedge-shaped spot near the inner margin (claviform spot) is separated from the basal area by an incomplete white line.

Wingspan: 1 3 ⁄16″ to 1 9 ⁄16″

Total length: 1 1 ⁄16″

Open areas. Fields, gardens.

One generation: Mid-August to mid-September

Larvae have been reported from more than 40 plant species including crops, forages, vegetables, and forbs.

Sources

7, 21, 22, 24, 27, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82, 83.

Biodiversity occurrence data published by: Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (accessed through the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Portal, bellatlas.umn.edu, 8/18/2025).

Common to abundant and widespread

Species Complex?
Future DNA analysis, if performed, may find this to be a complex of up to six separate species.

Feltia jaculifera (Dingy Cutworm)
Allen Chartier

Dingy Cutworm Moth (Noctuidae: Feltia jaculifera) on Blossom
Carl Barrentine

Dingy Cutworm Moth (Noctuidae: Feltia jaculifera) on Wall
Carl Barrentine

Dingy Cutworm Moth (Noctuidae: Feltia jaculifera) Warming-up
Carl Barrentine

Dingy Cutworm Moth (Noctuidae: Feltia jaculifera) Dorsal View
Carl Barrentine