ARCHERS DART |
AGROTIS VESTIGIALIS |
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| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 30 - 35mm. A quite variable moth that is still fairly recognisable due to the prominent kidney and oval marks as well as the dark bullet shape on each forewing. The whole appearance seems somewhat variegated and with a little practice this one is easily identified. Towards the outer edge of the forewing are usually a series of dark arrowheads and note must be taken that the male of this species has feathered antennae. CHRYSALIS: Found underground. LARVA: Grey with two lighter stripes along the back. Feeds on various herbaceous plants including Bedstraws and Stitchworts. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light and flowers such as Ragworts. HABITAT: Found usually in sandhills and dry sandy heaths. FLIGHT PERIOD: July to September. STATUS: Common throughout coastal Britain but quite localised. |