Knot Grass - Acronicta rumicis

Description

Wingspan 30-35 mm. A variable species, some examples of which can resemble other Acronicta species, but this moth usually shows a curved white mark near the rear edge of the forewing, even in melanic specimens.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found in various habitats.

When to see it

On the wing in May to July, there is a second brood in southern England, appearing in August and September.

Life History

The larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants such as Dock, Teasel, Mint and Plantain as well as deciduous trees and shrubs.

UK Status

It is widely distributed and quite common in most of Britain, except Scotland where it is less frequent. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
73.045 BF2289

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Knotgrass, Knot Grass
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
334
First record:
01/01/1992 (LLRS)
Last record:
21/09/2025 (Pochin, Christine)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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