Gregson's Dart
Common NameGregson's Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis trux
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, coastal areas, heathland, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Iran), including the British Isles.
Host PlantsPlantago, Taraxacum, Rumex, Galium, Trifolium, Lotus, Medicago
Flight PeriodMay to October (two generations)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding nocturnally on the roots and lower parts of various herbaceous plants and grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the species overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with distinct, often black-outlined, reniform and orbicular stigmata. The overall coloration is variable, but these markings are key. Hindwings are generally paler, greyish-white with darker veins.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, typically mottled grey-brown with prominent dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots, and paler hindwings.
