Knot Grass
Acronicta rumicis
This record describes Acronicta rumicis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. On the wing in May to July, there is a second brood in southern England, appearing in August and September. The larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants such as Dock, Teasel, Mint and Plantain as well as deciduous trees and shrubs. 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.
Wikipedia reference for Acronicta rumicis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronicta rumicis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Cutworm Moths and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Acronictinae
- Genus
- Acronicta (Dagger Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing in May to July, there is a second brood in southern England, appearing in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants such as Dock, Teasel, Mint and Plantain as well as deciduous trees and shrubs.
Additional species information
Recorded 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.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acronicta rumicis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Knot Grass (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Knot Grass
What is Knot Grass?
Knot Grass (Acronicta rumicis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Knot Grass found?
Habitat: Found in various habitats.
When is Knot Grass active?
Knot Grass: seasonal activity - On the wing in May to July, there is a second brood in southern England, appearing in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Knot Grass?
The larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants such as Dock, Teasel, Mint and Plantain as well as deciduous trees and shrubs.