KNOT GRASS |
ACRONICTA RUMICIS |
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| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 30 - 45mm. The most distinctive feature of this common moth are the curved white tooth marks near the rear edge of the forewing. A white, broken line along the outer margins is also diagnostic. The rest of the forewing is variably marked with dark and grey colours and the hindwing is greyish-brown. CHRYSALIS: Found in cocoon in leaf litter. LARVA: Black with a row of yellow and red dashes along each flank. The back has a row of white patches and yellow tufts of hair. Feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants including Sorrel, Mint, Hawthorn and Sallow. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light. HABITAT: Found usually in gardens, hedgerows and flowery meadows. FLIGHT PERIOD: May to July. A second brood can appear in Southern Britain between August and September. STATUS: Common throughout mainland Britain although more localised in Scotland. |