Agrotis stigmosa Morris 1874

Agrotis stigmosa is an eastern species, occurring from New England west to Colorado, the Dakotas and eastern Alberta. In Alberta is has been collected in the area east and south of Edmonton.

A medium size moth (forewing length about 36 mm) but one of the larger species of Agrotis. The forewings are pale yellowish grey or tan with dark blackish or reddish brown along the leading edge. The antemedian and postmedian cross lines are essentially obsolete, indicated by a few dark scales only. The claviform, reniform and orbicular spots are also less prominent and partially lined with lighter scales. The hindwings are dark brown. The predominantly pale forewings will separate stigmosa from other species of Agrotis. Most likely to be confused with Agrotis volubilis, which flies at the same time. Agrotis volubilis has dark forewings and pale hindwings; this pattern is reversed in stigmosa.

Usually in open xeric areas with lighter soils or sand.

Agrotis stigmosa is single brooded with adults in Alberta from mid May through mid-June. The adults are nocturnal and come to light. The larvae are described by Lafontaine (2004). Larvae have been reared on Yarrow (Achillea sp.) but like other Agrotis, they are likely generalists on low-growing herbs.

Agrotis stigmosa is a moth of the family Noctuidae first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875. It is found in North America from New England and Quebec west to Colorado and eastern Alberta. It is listed as a species of special concern in the US state of Connecticut.

The length of the forewings is about 36 mm. Adults are on wing from May to June depending on the location. There is one generation per year.

Larvae have been reared on Achillea, but they likely are generalists who feed on various low-growing herbs.