73.042 BF2286 – Light Knot Grass – Acronicta menyanthidis – (Esper, 1789)
Adult Macro: CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –
– click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
– click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
– Rare / Uncommon / Scarce
– easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.ID pointers: Quite a chunky looking moth with rather broad and rounded grey wings, quite variable in colour and markings. An obvious small oval pale centred with a dark outline and a most conspicuous black lined kidney mark and outer cross-line that is pale bordered on the inner edge. Sometimes there is a black streak flicking through the central area of the outer cross-line. A superb image below shows an example of the dark colour morph f.suffusa.
Distribution: (Last record: 24 August 2025 at Nether North Grain, Snake Road ) – A resident that is confined to the upland grit-stone moors of the Central and Peak areas of Derbyshire. All records apart from one recorded in a Darley Dale garden (2009) and another from a garden in Ripley (2008), have been recorded from moorland habitat.
General Comment: None *** Last updated on 20 January 2026 by TD ***
Forewing: 16-20mm
Last Recorded Year: 2025
Last Recorded By – Neil Sherman
Last Recorded General Area – Nether North Grain, Snake Road
Selected Images: Glossop, Derbyshire – Christian Heintzen © / Darley Dale, Derbyshire – Simon Roddis © / Glossop (2025) Christian Heintzen©
Image Gallery
Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1911 - 2025) | Immatures: (between 1915 - 2022)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.
Distribution Map for Acronicta menyanthidis
Found 78 records
↳ from 2026+
↳ 29 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 49 from Before 2020
↳ from 2026+
↳ 29 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 49 from Before 2020
If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.
Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.
NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Acronicta menyanthidis
⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.
Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however,
the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.
Monthly Records By Year:
Acronicta menyanthidis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Monthly Counts By Year:
Acronicta menyanthidis
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )
First/Last Recorded Dates: Acronicta menyanthidis
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]
Shading shows moth presence between dates
Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required
Recordings By Year: Acronicta menyanthidis
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Acronicta menyanthidis
AGR: 4.51% | Total % Change: 111.8%
Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Acronicta menyanthidis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Acronicta menyanthidis
Acronicta menyanthidis
Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.
Records Behind the Map and Charts - Acronicta menyanthidis – 78 records available
Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns
| Site Name | Tetrad | Date | Count | Stage | Recorder | Source | RecordKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin | SK09L | 24/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48746888 |
| Nether North Grain, Snake Road | SK19B | 24/08/2025 | 3 | adult | Neil Sherman | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48244987 |
| Woodhead, Trans Pennine Trail | SK09Z | 10/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48731010 |
| Wingerworth, Derbyshire | SK36Y | 08/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Windle, Jim | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44247251 |
| Glossop, Chunal Moor | SK09F | 03/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48724611 |
| Glossop, Chunal Moor | SK09F | 03/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48724633 |
| Glossop, Hague Street, Hay Meadow | SK09G | 02/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48723579 |
| Glossop, Hague Street, Hay Meadow | SK09G | 25/07/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43980616 |
| Kinder Scout, landslide at northwest corner of plateau | SK08U | 24/07/2025 | 3 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43980583 |
| Birch Vale | SK08I | 23/07/2025 | 2 | adult | Hewitt, Jane | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC47544751 |
| Longdendale, Torside Clough, Crags at m | SK09T | 22/07/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43980554 |
| Ladycroft Ave, Buxton | SK07S | 16/05/2025 | 1 | adult | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41631467 |
| Longdendale, Torside grassland and willow carr | SK09U | 12/05/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43979096 |
| Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin | SK09L | 02/05/2025 | 15 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43979005 |
| Belper, Derbyshire | SK34N | 01/05/2025 | 1 | adult | Newcombe, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43706813 |
| Ladycroft Ave, Buxton | SK07S | 28/04/2025 | 1 | adult | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41605032 |
| Curbar Edge | SK27M | 25/04/2025 | 1 | Adult | Kim Leyland | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41129203 |
| Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation | SK09F | 26/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36371819 |
| Glossop, The Twitchlings | SK09M | 17/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36371740 |
| Glossop, The Twitchlings | SK09K | 11/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36371640 |
| Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough Fields | SK09L | 19/08/2023 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36337360 |
| Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin | SK09L | 22/06/2023 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36336330 |
| Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation | SK09F | 05/06/2023 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36336134 |
| Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation | SK09F | 29/05/2023 | 4 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36336073 |
| Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin | SK09L | 18/05/2023 | 4 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36335976 |
| Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation | SK09F | 13/05/2023 | 5 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36335929 |
| Eastmoor, Chesterfield SDF, UK | SK27X | 10/08/2022 | 1 | Larva | floriang | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27600324 |
| Derwent, UK | SK18U | 24/07/2021 | 1 | Larva | v1ctn | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC22840296 |
| Derbyshire, UK | SK08P | 31/07/2020 | 1 | Larva | nevwright | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC22381257 |
| Barbrook Resvr, Baslow | SK27T | 23/04/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP53E |
| Darley Dale (site not precise) | SK26R | 01/08/2015 | 4 | Adult | H.C. Hayward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQCHU |
| Darley Dale (site not precise) | SK26R | 31/07/2015 | 1 | Larvae | Unknown;Hanson Sale | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPOJ2 |
| Peak District | SK27M | 19/08/2014 | 1 | Larva | Parry, Ewan | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC6368100 |
| Lightwood | SK07M | 15/05/2014 | 1 | adult | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41013645 |
| Ladycroft Ave | SK07S | 14/05/2014 | 1 | adult | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41012609 |
| Yew Tree Farm | SK36H | 06/07/2013 | 1 | adult | Sinnott, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38922771 |
| Burbage Moor (plantation), Dore, Sheffield | SK28Q | 27/06/2012 | 1 | Adult | R. Harris | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OJULM |
| Longshaw Est,Nether Padley | SK28K | 28/04/2011 | 1 | Larvae | C. Stubbs | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OKZAH |
| Millstone Edge,Hathersage | SK28K | 04/06/2010 | 1 | Adult | H.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OKD4O |
| The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale | SK26R | 28/05/2009 | 1 | Adult | Roddis, Simon | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OK14Y |
| Lowes Hill,Ripley | SK35V | 23/06/2008 | 1 | Adult | Dave Budworth;R.A. Wain | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OKK18 |
| Moor Edge, Birch Vale, New Mills | SK08I | 13/07/1996 | 1 | Adult | S. Dobson | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIZUA |
| Parkway, New Mills | SK08D | 20/05/1992 | 1 | Adult | J. Potts | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OI1BK |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) | SK26Y | 26/05/1991 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHL4Z |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) | SK26Y | 26/05/1991 | 1 | Adult | A. Braddock;T. Duro | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQ580 |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) | SK26Z | 26/05/1991 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHL4M |
| Beeley Moor (site not precise) | SK26Z | 26/05/1991 | 1 | Adult | A. Braddock;T. Duro | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQ57N |
| Etherow NR, Compstall, Marple | SJ99Q | 17/06/1990 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHKSD |
| Fernhill Rd, Mellor | SJ98U | 15/05/1990 | 1 | Adult | I.F. Smith | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHKQX |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) | SK26Y | 14/05/1990 | 3 | Adult | B.L. Statham | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHKQW |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) | SK26Y | 14/05/1990 | 3 | Adult | B.L. Statham | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQ520 |
| Lumb House, Eversleigh Rise, South Darley, Darley Bridge | SK26Q | 19/06/1989 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OI0FO |
| Chunal Moor, Glossop | SK09F | 19/05/1989 | 1 | Adult | I.F. Smith | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OITEX |
| The Green, Hasland, Chesterfield | SK36Z | 29/07/1975 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIJ9Z |
| Slagmill Plantation,Beeley Moor | SK36E | 03/06/1970 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHEPZ |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) | SK26Z | 01/06/1970 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIHRI |
| Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley Moor | SK26Y | 11/06/1968 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHW1P |
| Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, Beeley | SK26Y | 11/06/1968 | 1 | Adult | B. Elliott;T.W. Harman | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP857 |
| Gladwin's Mark, Beeley Moor | SK36D | 26/05/1964 | 2 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIH6E |
| Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley Moor | SK26Y | 04/06/1960 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIGOL |
| Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, Beeley | SK26Y | 04/06/1960 | 1 | Adult | A. Hepworth;B. Elliott;P. Spragg | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP7PK |
| Gladwin's Mark, Beeley Moor | SK36D | 28/05/1960 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIGMT |
| Gladwin's Mark, Beeley Moor | SK36D | 21/05/1960 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OIGKO |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) | SK26Z | 17/05/1959 | 2 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHDWA |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) | SK26Z | 17/05/1959 | 2 | Adult | B. Elliott;B.S. Fletcher | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOQSO |
| nr Wraggs Quarry, Rowsley | SK26Y | 02/06/1957 | 1 | Adult | B.S. Fletcher | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOQPH |
| Froggatt Edge,Froggatt | SK27N | 14/06/1956 | 1 | Adult | A.M. Emmet | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPQA6 |
| Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise) | SK36E | 24/05/1953 | 1 | Adult | J.H. Johnson | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOQMO |
| Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) | SK26Z | 25/05/1952 | 1 | Adult | J.H. Johnson | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPZCZ |
| Beeley Moor (site not precise) | SK26Z | 25/05/1952 | 6 | Adult | J.H. Johnson | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPZD0 |
| Ramsley Moor, Owler Bar | SK27X | 05/06/1951 | 1 | Adult | T.D. Fearnehough | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOSKX |
| Totley Moss, Nether Padley (site not precise) | SK27U | 10/06/1950 | 7 | Adult | T.D. Fearnehough | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOSKT |
| Holy Moor, Holymoorside (site not precise) | SK36N | 06/06/1922 | 1 | Adult | H.C. Hayward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPZAT |
| Darley Dale (site not precise) | SK26R | 01/08/1915 | 4 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OJHK5 |
| Darley Dale (site not precise) | SK26R | 31/07/1915 | 1 | Larvae | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OJHK2 |
| Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise) | SK47G | 11/06/1911 | 1 | Adult | S. Hooke | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHD6L |
| Ashopton, Ladybower Resr (site not precise) | SK18Y | 01/01/1905 | 1 | Adult | E.A. Cockayne | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WOSB8 |
| Ashopton, Ladybower Resr (site not precise) | SK18Y | 01/01/1900 | 1 | Adult | E.A. Cockayne | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OICZ9 |