Noctuidae

73.314 Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common

Similar species: Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum is usually larger (16 to 21mm), when visible double-rowed inner and outer central cross-lines and the male has broadly feathered antennae.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Gardens, arable land, open woodland rides, allotments, downland, rocky hillsides, rough grassy wasteground, sand-dunes and marshland, but as it has declined in numbers it has become more coastal.

Habits: The moth visits ragworts and other flowers. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Dandelion, plantains, clovers, docks and other herbaceous plants. It pupates in an earthen cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Knotgrass and many garden vegetables including Potato, Parsnip, Carrot, Beet, Cabbage, Lettuce, Grapevine, Onion and Cotton.