Xestia elimata

The southern variable dart or variable climbing caterpillar when referring to the caterpillar (Xestia elimata) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found in the eastern part of North America, including Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland and New England. It is part of the elimata species group. Three of the species in this group (Xestia praevia, Xestia elimata and Xestia badicollis) have no significant difference in both genitals and DNA, suggesting they may be in fact one species.

This wingspan is about 42 mm. The moth flies from September to October depending on the location. There is one generation per year.

The larva feed on Pinus species, including pitch, red, and other hard pines.