Fish's Dart
Common NameFish's Dart
Scientific NameEuxoa aquilina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white
HabitatOpen grassy areas, heathland, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsgrasses, plantain, dock, dandelion
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with eggs laid in late summer. Larvae hatch and overwinter, feeding on low-growing plants in spring before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown forewings with clearly defined, white-ringed orbicular and reniform stigmata, and a wavy white subterminal line. Overall color can vary from reddish to darker brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings, characterized by prominent white-ringed orbicular and reniform spots and a distinct wavy white subterminal line.
