About Euxoa tessellata Harris, 1841
Euxoa tessellata, commonly known as the tessellate dart or striped cutworm, is a moth species belonging to the family Noctuidae. It is the most widespread species of the genus Euxoa in North America. Its distribution ranges from Newfoundland to Alaska; in the western part of the continent, it extends south to California, Arizona, and New Mexico, while in the eastern part it reaches south to Florida. It appears to not be present in Texas and adjacent eastern states. The wingspan of adults ranges from 30 to 38 mm, and adults are active in flight from June to September. The larvae of Euxoa tessellata feed on tobacco, a variety of common garden crops, and the leaves of apple, cherry, and pear trees. In North America, the tessellata species group includes two species: E. tessellata and E. plagigera. While the two species differ in outward appearance, they are linked by features of their lepidopteran genitalia. The two species can hybridize in laboratory settings, but the resulting hybrid offspring are sterile.
