Noctuidae

73.320 Heart and Club Agrotis clavis (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis is on average larger (15 to 19mm) with a narrower forewing, has one prominent dark "eyebrow" line across the collar (when viewed from the front) and lacks the fine dark rows of dashes across the forewing as well as the males broadly feathered antennae.

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Coastal sand-dunes, calcareous downland, dry open grassland, open woodland rides and gardens.

Habits: The moth feeds at flowers after dark and is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds on the leaves of Fat-hen, Dandelion, Cat's-ear, Broad-leaved Dock, Knotgrass, Wild Carrot, clovers and other herbaceous plants. In the later instars it feeds on the roots of the plant. The full-fed larva overwinters in an earthen cocoon under the soil, where it pupates in the spring.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cabbage and Lettuce.