About Xestia elimata Guenée, 1852
Xestia elimata, commonly known as the southern variable dart or variable climbing caterpillar, is a moth species belonging to the family Noctuidae. The species was first formally described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is found in the eastern region of North America, including the states of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and the New England region. This moth is part of the elimata species group. Three species within this group—Xestia praevia, Xestia elimata, and Xestia badicollis—show no significant differences in their genitals or DNA, which suggests the three may actually be a single species. The wingspan of this moth is approximately 42 mm. Depending on location, adult moths fly from September to October, and there is one new generation per year. The larval stage of this moth feeds on species of Pinus, including pitch pine, red pine, and other hard pines.
