Sigmoid Dart
Common NameSigmoid Dart
Scientific NameGraphiphora augur
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, parks, heathland
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, temperate Asia, North America)
Host Plantsbirch, willow, alder, oak, hazel, dock, plantain, dandelion
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae hatch in late summer/autumn, overwinter as small caterpillars, and resume feeding in spring. They pupate in the soil in late spring/early summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown/grey forewings, distinct reniform and orbicular spots, and the characteristic black, S-shaped (sigmoid) mark near the reniform spot.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled brown and grey forewings. The forewings feature prominent, dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots, with a distinctive black, S-shaped (sigmoid) mark near the reniform spot.
