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Swordsman dart

Swordsman dart

Agrotis gladiaria

A species of Agrotis, Also known as Claybacked cutworm

Agrotis gladiaria, the swordsman dart or claybacked cutworm, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found in south-eastern Canada from Nova Scotia to Ontario and in the United States from Maine to the panhandle of Florida, west to eastern Texas, eastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, southern Wisconsin and Michigan. The length of the forewings is 13–16 mm. Adults are on wing from September to October depending on the location. The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including Medicago sativa, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rubus, Poa, Andropogon, Brassica oleracea, Trifolium, Zea mays, Solidago, Hordeum pusillum, Avena, Allium, Ipomoea batatas, Nicotiana and Solanum lycopersicum.

General Info About Swordsman dart
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Attributes of Swordsman dart
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
field
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, sap, plant fluids, and water
Larva Food Source
Leaves of crops and vegetables, roots and tubers, grasses, broad-leaf plants, and garden flowers
Non-poisonous
The Swordsman dart is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Swordsman dart feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Swordsman dart
Egg The egg of the swordsman dart provides a protective shell where internal growth begins. Tiny and often spherical, the eggs can vary in color but are typically laid in clusters and affixed to host plants. Limited in movement, the focus at this stage is on the internal embryonic development of the organism.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of the swordsman dart emerges as a caterpillar with a primary function of feeding to support rapid growth. The larva will molt several times, shedding its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size. Color and markings can vary with instars, aiding in camouflage.
Pupal Transition to the pupal stage marks a time of transformation for the swordsman dart. It often occurs in a sheltered location. The pupa is immobile, with significant internal reorganization from larva to adult form. The outer casing may be hardened for protection, with changes often subtle until adult emergence.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult swordsman dart's development is marked by fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs. The exoskeleton is hardened, and coloration is now vibrant or suitable for camouflage. The adult is highly mobile, primarily seeking mates and potentially aiding in pollination.
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Predators of Swordsman dart Larvae
Birds, rodents, predatory beetles, arachnids
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Predators of Adult Swordsman dart
Bats, birds, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Swordsman dart
Intriguingly, swordsman dart caterpillars possess a unique organ that emits clicking sounds deterring predators, an unusual defense mechanism among its kind.
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Scientific Classification of Swordsman dart
Tips for Finding Swordsman dart
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How Can You Attract Swordsman dart
Adults of swordsman dart are attracted to light sources and sweet substances like sugar or honey. Use these as lures to set traps at night.
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Habitat Preferences of Swordsman dart Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of swordsman dart are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves. As for larvae or caterpillars, they are often located near the ground in the soil or on low vegetation where they feed nocturnally. Pupae are usually underground in a cocoon or just on the soil surface. Adults, being nocturnal fliers, are commonly found near light sources at night or resting on the bark of trees or on leaves during the day. To locate the various growth stages of swordsman dart, one would inspect host plants and the nearby ground for eggs and caterpillars, dig into the soil for pupae, and use light traps at night to attract adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Swordsman dart
The best time to find adult swordsman dart is during night-time hours as they are nocturnal. For larvae, look during the day, when they are active and feeding on host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Swordsman dart
Look for swordsman dart on warm, dry nights when adults are more active and likely to respond to light traps. Avoid windy or rainy conditions which reduce activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Swordsman dart at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of swordsman dart are typically laid on host plants. Conduct a careful inspection of the leaves of potential host plants for small, clustered eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of swordsman dart can be found on or near their host plants. Search for feeding damage on leaves and then check the surrounding area for the larvae.
Pupal Swordsman dart pupae are often buried in soil or concealed in leaf litter. Look for disturbed soil or dense foliage close to the host plants where larvae feed.
Adult Adult swordsman dart are nocturnal and attracted to light. Set up a light trap with a white sheet at night to observe and collect adult specimens.
Are Swordsman dart harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Swordsman dart
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of swordsman dart attack plant roots, stems, and leaves, leading to weakened growth and potential plant death. The severity ranges from mild to severe depending on the pest population. Infestations can diminish crop yields, affecting food supply and economic stability.

More Effects of Swordsman dart

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