Family: Noctuidae, Owlet Moths view all from this family

Description Wingspan 1 1/8-1 5/8" (30-40 mm). FW gray with a silvery mark near middle. HW and body dull gray to brown; paler toward base, darker along outer margin.

Life Cycle Caterpillar, to 1" (25 mm), is dark olive-green with paler head; feeds on alfalfa, cereals, vegetables, garden flowers, ornamental shrubs, and orchard trees.

Flight Midsummer.

Habitat Crop fields, wastelands, and open areas.

Range Western half of the United States, extreme southern Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

Discussion These moths are members of a large, widespread genus in North America. Most adults have a silvery mark, or "autograph," on the fore wings. Their caterpillars move in a looping gait and sometimes seriously damage crops.