Most easily recognisable by the dark blackish shallow-V band across the collar when viewed from the front. The wings can vary in colour from pale or greyish brown to dark brown or even blackish; the paler examples are usually males and females are generally darker. The central dart mark is narrow and a solid black.
The adults regularly come to light, often in large numbers. The caterpillars can be found from July to the following spring, feeding until October and then overwintering as fully grown larvae in underground cells where it also pupates.
Size and Family
- Family – Darts, yellow underwings and clays (Noctuidae)
- Medium sized
- Wingspan Range – 30-38mm
Conservation Status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Caterpillar Food Plants
A wide range of wild and cultivated herbaceous plants including Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolate) and Fat-hen (Chenopodium alblum).
Habitat
Found in all habitats except at high altitude. Most abundant in arable farmland, pasture and gardens.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- One of the most abundant larger moths in Great Britain. Common throughout England, Wales, the Isle of Man, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Widespread but less plentiful in Scotland, especially in the north.

Heart and Dart - Ryszard Szczygieł
Heart and Dart
Ryszard Szczygieł

Heart and Dart - Heath McDonald
Heart and Dart
Heath McDonald

Heart and Dart - Garry Barlow
Heart and Dart
Garry Barlow

Heart and Dart - Tapio Kujala
Heart and Dart
Tapio Kujala

Heart and Dart - Ilia Ustyantsev
Heart and Dart
Ilia Ustyantsev

Heart and Dart - creaturesnapper
Heart and Dart
creaturesnapper

Heart and Dart - Dave Shenton
Heart and Dart
Dave Shenton

Heart and Dart

Heart and Dart - Koen Thonissen
Heart and Dart
Koen Thonissen