Shuttle-shaped Dart
Common NameShuttle-shaped Dart
Scientific NameApamea monoglypha
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, grasslands, heathland, fens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsgrasses (Poa, Festuca, Dactylis, Lolium, Agrostis), cereals
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stout, greyish-brown caterpillars that feed at the base of grass stems and roots, overwintering as larvae before pupating in the soil in spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its robust build, the variable but often mottled grey-brown forewings, and the characteristic dark-outlined reniform and orbicular stigmata. The overall 'shuttle-shaped' appearance of the forewings when at rest is also a good indicator.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with highly variable, mottled grey-brown forewings, often featuring distinct dark kidney and orbicular spots and darker streaking. The hindwings are typically paler grey-brown.
