Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lueneburgensis) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on September 20th 2022. (© David Hastings) (1/250th sec at f11) DescriptionFamily: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.231) Wing span: 30 - 36mm A thick-set, deep brownish-grey or blackish moth. The fore-wing is quite broad with a straight leading edge, and the outer edge tapers to the tip. Markings are usually fairly obscure. The antennae of the male are feathered. In 2024 DNA analysis showed that A. lutulenta is restricted to eastern Europe. There is only one species in western Europe (including the UK) and that is lueneburgensis. It is found in England north to Lancashire, also in northern Wales. Typical habitats are permanent pasture, hay-meadows, downland, heathland, sand-dunes and rough grassland. There is one generation in September and October. It over-winters as a very small larva. Larvae feed on a range of woody and herbaceous plants and grasses, including Broad-leaved Dock and sorrels. It comes to light and sugar, and feeds at flowers and blackberries. Earliest UK sighting: 17th September ; Latest UK sighting: 13th October Sightings
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