Maps updated: April 2008

Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 35-44mm. Adults show some variation in base colour; forewings mainly light brown; stigmata usually slightly darker and well defined. Hindwings white with pale brown veining.

Similar Species: Similar in appearance to the Heart & Club A. clavis, but has a black bar or dart on the forewing.

Key Identification Features:

• Black bar or dart on forewings
• Well-defined stigmata
• White hindwings

Sets:

Flight Period: Late May to end of August.

Status: Widely distributed throughout all counties but especially common in the east. It is probably under-recorded in the north and western counties.

Ecology: Found on a wide variety of habitats including cultivated areas. Adults appear commonly at light in good numbers and are also attracted to the flowers of Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, Red Valerian Centranthus ruber and Buddleia Buddleja davidii. Adults rest concealed among the vegetation and are seldom found during the daytime. The larvae feed from July to October on a wide variety of plants.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe as far north as central Scandinavia.

Caterpillar: