Noctuidae: Acronictinae

08787 Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF2289 (ABH73.045)

nr Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, 27th May 2018. Light trap.
nr Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, 27th May 2018. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
nr Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, 27th May 2018. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., Bulgaria. 26th June 2012. Light trap.
Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., Bulgaria. 26th June 2012. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Plovdiv, 12th June 2013. Full grown.
Plovdiv, 12th June 2013. Full grown.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is a quite variable species, some examples of which can resemble other members of the Acronicta genus.

 

Pupates in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 16-20mm.
Foodplant(s): docks (Rumex spp.), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), plantains (Plantago spp.), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Common Hop (Humulus lupulus), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia), sallows (Salix spp.), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: Two generations, May-June and August-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Grassland, heathland, fens, scrub, gardens and open woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 1 (0.1%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in June 2013

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 June to 12 June

Similar Species
Poplar Grey Subacronicta megacephala (=Acronicta)
nr Hvoyna, Western Rhodopis, 7th July 2016. MV trap.
nr Hvoyna, Western Rhodopis, 7th July 2016. MV trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Coronet Craniophora ligustri


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Black, red, blue, white, brown, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5