Although they can be quite variable in colour they are easily recognised by the large and conspicuous oval and kidney mark and a W-shaped mark near the outer edge of the forewings. There is a dark melanic form f. aethiops which is more frequent in the north.

When the larvae are small they feed on flowers and seeds and when older they feed on roots and stem bases from within a chamber among grassroots where they will overwinter.

Size and Family

  • Family – Arches, brindles, minors, rustics and allies (Noctuidae)
  • Medium Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 38-52mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Grasses including Common Couch (Elytrigia repens) and Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomeratus).

Habitat

A ubiquitous species, found in gardens, all types of grassland, arable land, hedgerows and verges, woodland, marshes, heathland and high moorland.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • Common and very well distributed throughout Britain. 
Dark Arches - Heath McDonald

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Koen Thonissen

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Koen Thonissen

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Ben Sale

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Ben Sale

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Ben Sale

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Ben Sale

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Vlad Proklov

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Derek Parker

Dark Arches

Dark Arches

Dark Arches

Dark Arches - Dave Shenton

Dark Arches