73.319 BF2087

Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 27-40 mm.

Although showing many colour forms, this moth usually shows a neat, pale fringe with a narrow inner dark line on the forewing, and has very white hindwings.

The species is double-brooded, flying in May and June, and again in August and September.

It is common throughout most of Britain, though scarcer in Scotland.

The larvae live underground and feed on the roots of root vegetables, herbaceous plants and other cultivated crops. Their destructive habit of biting off the shoots of small seedlings gave rise to the name 'cutworms'.