Heart & Dart - Agrotis exclamationis

Alternative names
Heart and Dart
Description

Wingspan 30-40 mm. One distinctive feature of this species is that it always has a black band across the front of the thorax, when viewed head-on.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

All types of habitat.

When to see it

Main flight period is from May to July, with numbers decreasing later in the season although individuals may turn up into October.  It is readily attracted to light.

Life History

Various wild and garden plants make up the foodplants of the larvae.

UK Status

It is a common often abundant species throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
73.317 BF2089

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Heart and Dart, Heart & Dart
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1961
First record:
31/05/1997 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
02/06/2026 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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