Noctuidae

73.042 Light Knotgrass Acronicta menyanthidis (Esper, 1789)

Local except S. England

Acronicta menyanthidis scotica (Esper, 1789)

Local Scotland (except SE.) and Hebrides

Similar species: Scarce Dagger Acronicta auricoma is similar to the dark form of Light Knotgrass, but is on average smaller (16 to 17mm) and has a larger oval with a central black spot.

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Damper parts of acid moorland, bogs and heathland.

Habits: The moth can be found resting on fence posts and rocks during the day. It visits flowers and sugar after dark and comes to light

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Heather, Bog Myrtle, Bilberry, birches, sallows, Bogbean and other plants. It pupates in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cranberry.