Noctuidae

73.043 Scarce Dagger Acronicta auricoma ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Extinct / Immigrant

Similar species: The dark form of Light Knotgrass Acronicta menyanthidis is on average larger (16 to 20mm) and has a small oval without a central black spot. Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis has a prominent white spot about two-thirds along the trailing edge.

Forewing: 16 to 17mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland.

Habits: The moth was resident in south-east England throughout the 19th century, but declined until it became extinct in the 1930s. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on oaks and occasionally Raspberry. In captivity it has been reared on birches, Bramble and Bilberry. It pupates in a cocoon attached to the foodplant or in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Heather, Bilberry, birches, sallows, poplars, Bramble, Marjoram and occasionally Greater Knapweed, Blackthorn, spurges and Broom.