Morley's Final Catalogue: Like A. praecox (Portland moth), this occurs throughout the Breck as well as along our more normal east coast and its creeks. The two species' presence at comparatively high points up the vally of the Gipping doubtless represents their survival there, like the bee Dasypoda hirtipes, since the time that that river was salt; indeed, Barrett considered (Tr. Norf. Nat. Soc. i, 35) the present Noctuid to have ''existed unchanged on the ancient coast sands of Thetford and Brandon from the time of the later post-glacial epoch.'' Felixstow at sugar in 1894 (Mera), in plenty and variable in 1901-3 (Gibbs); Hemley in 1901 (Wlr); Martlesham (D); Aldeburgh; Southwold at light in 1900 (Mly); Covehithe (Gd), Lowestoft, Beccles; frequent at Gorleston (Mr). Lakenheath in August 1900 (Mly); Brandon (Barrett), among Echium vulgare in June 1921 (D); Tuddenham, at light in June-July 1888-9 (Vivian). Also recorded from Needham in the Gipping valley.

Recent Suffolk Status: Locally common in the Brecks and Sandlings.

Life history: Single-brooded. Adults have been found on Ragwort flowers after dark as well as being recorded at light.

Identification: The large dart mark should distinguish this species from both Sand dart and Coast dart.

Habitat: Sandhills, dry sandy heaths and Breckland.

Recorded in 34 (59%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1888. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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