Horseshoe Noctuid
Common NameHorseshoe Noctuid
Scientific NameAgrotis clavis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatGardens, cultivated fields, grasslands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses, dandelion, plantain, dock, lettuce
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding on roots and stems of various low-growing plants. Pupation occurs underground in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewings with prominent dark kidney-shaped and orbicular stigmata, and a darker band along the outer margin. Hindwings are typically paler.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring distinct dark stigmata and a darker terminal area.
