Shuttle-shaped Dart

Agrotis puta – The males (top 2 images) and females (bottom 2 images) differ in this dart, with the males having lightish brown to buff coloured forewings, and the females much darker, but both have the distinctive elongated shuttle-shaped oval which gives this moth its name. The Isles of Silly have a subspecies called ssp. insula, which has a much more brighter and well-defined forewing colour and markings. Wingspan 30-32mm.

There are two overlapping broods from April to October. Regularly comes to light. Found in a wide range of habitats, including open woodland, farmland, and gardens. Common and widespread in southern England and Wales, less so north of the border.

The caterpillar feeds on various herbaceous plants, including docks and Dandelion.

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Attracted to moth trap,  rear garden, Staffordshire, May 2014. © Peter Hillman

12/1602/20 by Peter Hillman Categories: Insects, Macro Moths, Macro Photography, MothsTags: Agrotis puta, Insects, Lepidoptera, Macro, Macro Photography, Moths, Nature, Nature Photography, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Photography, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography 8 Comments