Photo © Mike Wall

Stout Dart

Spaelotis ravida

Checklist Number
73.349 [B&F: 2113]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Noctuinae
Genus:Spaelotis
Species:ravida
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local in damp grassland, meadows and marshes, in England, with great variations in abundance and temporary extensions of range; on the east coast the species is possibly reinforced by immigration. Apparently, recorded in the UK very infrequently in recent years. In Hampshire rare, and irregular in its appearance. Recorded once on the Isle of Wight, at Freshwater in August 1986. Wingspan 42-50 mm. Double Dart Graphiphora augur has no streak connecting the stigmata and the hindwing is wholly dark brown; Northern Rustic Standfussiana lucernea, which would normally be found in a very different habitat, also lacks this streak, has barely visible stigmata, and much darker brown hindwing; Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans is smaller and darker, with hindwing more suffused in both sexes (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on Sow-thistle, Dandelion and Dock.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

VC10 Isle of Wight

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Freshwater (SZ38)20/08/1986oneSam Knill-JonesAdult

VC11 South Hampshire

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Leckford (SU33)1945-D H Sterling-
Winchester College (SU42)1984-Anon-
Southsea (SZ69)27/09/1987oneJ R LangmaidAdult
Cosham (SU60)06/09/2001oneTerry JenningsAdult

VC12 North Hampshire

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Leckford Estate (SU33)1945-Anon-
Odiham (SU74)1983-Mick ScottAdult