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| Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) |
Anyway, on to today's post. You'll know that I went to the Nosterfield Open Day. It was their first open day but not their first moth trapping, this means that they are experienced. That's probably why I found so many different moths. Today I am going to carry on yesterday's theme of simple names. Today's little beauty is the Heart & Dart Moth. It was a bit livelier than some of the other form the Open Day so I didn't get many shots so just one good one today.
So, here are the facts:
- The title says, helpfully dubbed, it's true! The Heart and Dart Moth has, on its wings, a Heart and a Dart.
- They have been seen on an awful lot of different plants. Some of these include Strawberries, Turnips and Potatoes.
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| Couldn't even get a bugs eye view as it didn't hang around long! |
- They are night flying Moths and are attracted to light. Well, it wouldn't show up in the traps if it wasn't!
- I'm guessing that they can also be disturbed at daytime and they can be seen flying, most commonly, from May to July.
- This is when they are seen flying, the caterpillars are seen from the end of this season (May) to October.
- They are found all over the British Isles: Ireland, the Isle of Man and even the Shetlands and as far up as the Orkneys.
- They have what is a medium sized wingspan of 30mm - 40mm. I have seen quite a lot of moths this size.
- They were first ever recorded, in Norfolk, in the year 1834. That's a very long time ago!
- I love the latin name - exclamationis I guess refers to the dart bit of their common name :-)
Here are some links to more information:
Hope you enjoyed,
Z.
Lovely shots here Zach! - Tasha
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