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Heart and dart

Heart and dart

Agrotis exclamationis

A species of Agrotis, Also known as Heart-and-dart moth

Often seen as a marvel of transformation, heart and dart undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, starting life as a foraging caterpillar that enthusiastically consumes a variety of herbaceous plants. As an adult, it emerges with wings designed for nocturnal activity, showcasing muted tones that camouflage it against predators. Its contribution to the ecosystem is complex, with larval feeding habits influencing plant communities and adult pollination under the cloak of night.

General Info About Heart and dart
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Attributes of Heart and dart
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Cream
Habitat
Open land; meadow; grassland; field; hedgerow; garden; wide forest edge
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, aphid secretions, plant sap, fruit juices
Larva Food Source
Leaves of a wide variety of plants, grasses, broad-leaved weeds, cereals like wheat and barley, root and stem tissues of young plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Heart and dart is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Heart and dart feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Heart and dart
Common
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Distribution Area of Heart and dart
Europe, Palearctic realm, Ireland, Japan
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Life Cycle of Heart and dart
Egg The egg stage is the initial phase of the heart and dart's life cycle. Eggs are often laid in clusters and exhibit a protective outer layer. Size is tiny, and color can vary but generally blends with the environment to elude predators.
Larva The larva of the heart and dart emerges as a caterpillar, significantly varying in color and pattern that often assists with camouflage. During this stage, the caterpillar will feed voraciously and grow rapidly, molting several times.
Pupal Transitioning into a pupa, the heart and dart undergoes dramatic transformation within a chrysalis. Here, it is immobile, and significant changes occur as tissues break down and reorganize. Colors tend to be muted for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult heart and dart's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Heart and dart Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, parasitic wasps, parasitic flies
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Scientific Classification of Heart and dart
Tips for Finding Heart and dart
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Youth Habitat of Heart and dart
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Heart and dart
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Heart and dart
For adult heart and dart, a mixture of sugar and fermented fruit can be used as a bait to attract them.
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Habitat Preferences of Heart and dart Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of heart and dart can be found on the underside of leaves near the plant base, where females commonly lay them. As for the larvae, they tend to burrow into the ground during the day, or can be found on low vegetation at night, where they feed, particularly in grassy or weedy areas adjacent to fields. Pupae are located underground in earthen cells. To locate the different growth stages, search foliage near soil for eggs, inspect soil surfaces and under debris for larvae at night, and dig into the soil to find pupae.
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How and Where Can You Find Heart and dart at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs are typically laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. Inspect leaves of known host plants for small, round eggs during the day.
Larva Heart and dart larvae are nocturnal and can be found on or near their host plants. Look for them at night with the aid of a flashlight, focusing on damaged leaves or stems where they might be feeding.
Pupal Pupae are located underground or in leaf litter. To locate them, carefully sift through soil and decomposing organic material near the host plant where larvae were last seen feeding.
Adult Adult heart and dart are attracted to light, so setting up a light trap with a UV or mercury vapor bulb in an area where they are known to inhabit can be an effective method of finding them.
Are Heart and dart harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Heart and dart
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of heart and dart affect various crops by chewing plant tissues, especially roots, stems, and leaves. This damage stunts growth, reduces yield, and can lead to plant death. Minor infestations cause limited harm, but severe outbreaks can result in significant agricultural losses and economic consequences for farmers.

More Effects of Heart and dart

Beneficial Effects of Heart and dart
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Various flowering plants
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
While heart and dart primarily seeks nectar, they inadvertently transport pollen. Attracted by the color and scent of blossoms, they visit various flowers, accidentally getting pollen on their bodies, thus playing a role in the pollination process.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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