Photo © Mike Wall

Dark Sword-grass

Agrotis ipsilon

Checklist Number
73.327 [B&F: 2091]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Noctuinae
Genus:Agrotis
Species:ipsilon
Authority:(Hufnagel, 1766)

Common immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing throughout the British Isles, in some years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed in small numbers. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a common immigrant, which is widely distributed throughout in some years. Wingspan 40-55 mm. Has a distinctive set of arrow-shaped darts, one pointing outwards from the reniform stigma, with two smaller ones facing inwards near the margin. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, but unable to over-winter in significant numbers.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)