πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Heart and Dart

Agrotis exclamationis

About Heart and Dart

An extremely common brown moth named for the heart and dart-shaped markings on its forewing. It is often the most abundant species in light traps across Europe.

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Did You Know?

A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.

How to Identify Heart and Dart

Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae. Adults typically measure 32-40 mm wingspan.

Heart and Dart Habitat

Heart and Dart is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Heart and Dart Diet and Feeding

Heart and Dart feeds on plant roots, typically during its larval stage. Root feeders can affect plant health and are sometimes considered agricultural pests.

Where Is Heart and Dart Found?

Heart and Dart can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Heart and Dart can be found

Is Heart and Dart Dangerous?

Heart and Dart is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Heart and Dart Role in Nature

Heart and Dart is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart and Dart

What does Heart and Dart look like?

The Heart and Dart typically measures 32-40 mm wingspan.

Where is Heart and Dart found?

The Heart and Dart is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Heart and Dart eat?

The Heart and Dart feeds on plant roots.

Is Heart and Dart dangerous to humans?

The Heart and Dart is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Heart and Dart?

A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heart-and-dart

MLA:
"Heart and Dart." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heart-and-dart.