The Southern Variable Dart or Variable Climbing Caterpillar when referring to the caterpillar (Xestia elimata) is a moth of the Noctuidae family. 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. The larva feed on Pinus species, including pitch, red, and other hard pines.