Heart and Dart
Common NameHeart and Dart
Scientific NameAgrotis exclamationis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatGardens, farmland, heathland, woodland edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host Plantsgrasses, plantain, dock, dandelion, lettuce, cabbage, potato
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae (known as cutworms) feed at night, often damaging crops. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the distinctive black 'dart' mark extending from the base of the forewing and the dark, kidney-shaped reniform stigma. The ground color can vary significantly.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned brownish-grey forewings featuring a prominent black dart-shaped streak and a dark kidney-shaped spot.
