Noctuidae : Noctuinae
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Photo © Allan Eaton,  15/08/2023 - Kessingland

Similar Suffolk Species
Sand Dart
Agrotis ripae
Coast Dart
Euxoa cursoria
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Archer's Dart
Agrotis vestigialis

(Hufnagel, 1766) 2085 / 73.322

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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Determination
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
14/09/2024125TM45 - Aldeburgh/Orford
28/08/2024126TL78 - Brandon/Lakenheath
28/08/2024125TM46 - Minsmere/Leiston
27/08/2024125TM46 - Minsmere/Leiston
26/08/2024126TL78 - Brandon/Lakenheath
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Archer's Dart
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Copyright © Lepidoptera UK 2024
   
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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Forewing: 14-18mm.
Flight: One generation July-Sept.
Foodplant:   Herbaceous plants
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Times]
     
Underlying maps using Digital Map Data © Norfolk Online Lepidoptera Archive - NOLA™ - Suffolk 2024. © James Wheeler - Norfolk Moths 2007 - 2024. Data © NOLA™ - Suffolk 2024
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