Heart & Dart - Agrotis exclamationis
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.
All types of habitat.
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.
Various wild and garden plants make up the foodplants of the larvae.
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.
Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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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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