Noctuidae

73.162 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: A large moth with variable colouring, but reasonably stable markings such as the large oval and kidney mark, the "V" shaped marking at the trailing edge of the inner central cross-line and deep "W" in the centre of the outer cross-line. If care is taken this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 19 to 26mm

Habitats: Most habitats including woodland, scrub, hedgerows, high moorland, heathland, marshland, grasslands, verges, arable land, wasteground, sand-dunes and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds on the flowers and seeds of coarse grasses such as Common Couch, Cock's-foot, Tufted Hair-grass and other grasses. It pupates under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wavy Hair-grass, Rye-grass and Sheep's Fescue.