Greater Black-letter Dart
Common NameGreater Black-letter Dart
Scientific NameXestia c-nigrum
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark grey, black, brown, buff
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, open country, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantsdock, plantain, dandelion, clover, willow, birch
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants and shrubs. They typically overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark forewings with the prominent black 'c' or dagger mark (often outlined in white/buff) and the contrasting lighter buff patches, especially a triangular one near the costa.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its dark grey-brown forewings, which display a prominent black, C-shaped or dagger-like mark near the costa, often accompanied by lighter buff-colored patches.
