Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2089 (ABH73.317) Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR10348

 Photo © Peter Bissell
Heart and Dart
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Gwent
Whitelye, Gwent
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 9th Oct. 2014. MV trap.
Hemingford Grey, 9th Oct. 2014. MV trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

During the peak of its season, this is one of the most common species found in light traps.

 

Overwinters underground as a larva and pupates in the spring.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 15-19mm.
Foodplant(s): Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Fat-hen (Chenopodium album), herbaceous plants
Flying: Two generations, mid May-late August and September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Arable farmland, pasture and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 155 (57.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 April to 28 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 31 May to 07 October

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Heart and Club Agrotis clavis
Black Collar Dichagyris flammatra (=Ochropleura) (=Basistriga)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, red, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5