Knot Grass Moth
Common NameKnot Grass Moth
Scientific NameAcronicta rumicis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, heathland, fens, marshes, hedgerows, and various open and semi-open habitats.
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia.
Host Plantsdock, bramble, willow, birch, hawthorn, knotgrass
Flight PeriodApril to September (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe species overwinters as a pupa. Larvae are hairy, dark, and often have red or orange spots along the sides, feeding on a wide range of plants.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, dark grey and black forewing pattern, often with a prominent pale reniform stigma and a dark basal streak. The hairy, dark larva with red spots is also distinctive.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings exhibiting a complex, mottled pattern of dark grey, black, and white, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves. The hindwings are typically paler grey.
