Square-spotted Dart
Common NameSquare-spotted Dart
Scientific NameEuxoa obeliscata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatSandy areas, coastal dunes, heathland, dry grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses, low-growing herbaceous plants, Calluna, Erica, Rumex, Plantago
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding nocturnally on the roots and lower stems of various herbaceous plants and grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the species typically overwinters as an egg or young larva.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark, square-shaped orbicular and reniform stigmata on the forewings, which are often clearly defined against the mottled greyish-brown background. The hairy thorax and pectinate antennae (in males) are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with greyish-brown forewings featuring prominent, dark, square-shaped spots (orbicular and reniform stigmata) often outlined in a paler color. The head and thorax are densely hairy.
