Noctuidae

73.317 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Heart and Club Agrotis clavis is on average smaller (15 to 19mm) with a broader wing, has several rows of "eyebrow" lines across the collar (when viewed from the front) and has fine dark rows of dashes across the forewing. Males have broadly feathered antennae.

Forewing: 15 to 19mm

Habitats: Most habitats except higher mountain moorland. Common on arable land and in gardens.

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

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva feeds on Ribwort Plantain, Fat-hen, Dandelion, chickweeds, docks and other herbaceous plants. It hides in the leaf litter or under loose soil during the day. The full-fed larva overwinters under the soil where it pupates in the spring.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on oaks, Bramble, wormwood, Beet, Turnip, Potato, Maize and Strawberry.