The Miller       Knot Grass
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
73.042 BF2286  – Light Knot Grass  – Acronicta menyanthidis  – (Esper, 1789)
Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Acronictinae
ID Difficulty:  green  – 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 Flight Period: May /  June –  On the wing May – June. Recent records received into August Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Christian Heintzen, Simon Roddis  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 20 January 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 33-41mm
Forewing: 16-20mm Food Plant: Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and Bilberry (Vaccinium).
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©

73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
Light Knot Grass – Noctuidae – Acronicta menyanthidis
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
Light Knot Grass – Acronicta menyanthidis – Christian Heintzen
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
Light Knot Grass – Acronicta menyanthidis
Light Knot-grass - 3rd May 2025 - Glossop - Christian Heintzen©
Light Knot-grass – 3rd May 2025 – Glossop – Christian Heintzen©
Light Knot Grass - 3rd Aug 2025 - Glossop - Chunal Moor - Christian Heintzen
Light Knot Grass – 3rd Aug 2025 – Glossop – Chunal Moor – Christian Heintzen
Light Knot Grass - 2nd Aug 2025 - Glossop - Chunal Moor - Christian Heintzen
Light Knot Grass – 2nd Aug 2025 – Glossop – Chunal Moor – Christian Heintzen
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
73.042 BF2286 - Light Knot Grass - Noctuidae - Acronicta menyanthidis
Light Knot-grass - 3rd May 2025 - Glossop - Christian Heintzen©
Light Knot Grass - 3rd Aug 2025 - Glossop - Chunal Moor - Christian Heintzen
Light Knot Grass - 2nd Aug 2025 - Glossop - Chunal Moor - Christian Heintzen


Image Gallery

Light Knot Grass - 23rd July 2025 - Torside, Glossop - Christian Heintzen Light Knot Grass - Darley Dale - Simon Roddis©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1911 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 1915 - 2022)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Acronicta menyanthidis

Found 78 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 29 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 49 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

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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.

Visit NBN Site


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

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 NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Nether North Grain, Snake RoadSK19B24/08/20253adultNeil Shermanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48244987
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L24/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48746888
Woodhead, Trans Pennine TrailSK09Z10/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48731010
Wingerworth, DerbyshireSK36Y08/08/20251adultWindle, Jimvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44247251
Glossop, Chunal MoorSK09F03/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48724611
Glossop, Chunal MoorSK09F03/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48724633
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay MeadowSK09G02/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48723579
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay MeadowSK09G25/07/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43980616
Kinder Scout, landslide at northwest corner of plateauSK08U24/07/20253adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43980583
Birch ValeSK08I23/07/20252adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC47544751
Longdendale, Torside Clough, Crags at mSK09T22/07/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43980554
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S16/05/20251adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41631467
Longdendale, Torside grassland and willow carrSK09U12/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979096
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L02/05/202515adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979005
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N01/05/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43706813
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S28/04/20251adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41605032
Curbar EdgeSK27M25/04/20251AdultKim Leylandvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41129203
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F26/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371819
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09M17/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371740
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09K11/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371640
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L19/08/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337360
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L22/06/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336330
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F05/06/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336134
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F29/05/20234adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336073
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L18/05/20234adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335976
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F13/05/20235adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335929
Eastmoor, Chesterfield SDF, UKSK27X10/08/20221Larvafloriangvc57_irecords_extractiBRC27600324
Derwent, UKSK18U24/07/20211Larvav1ctnvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22840296
Derbyshire, UKSK08P31/07/20201Larvanevwrightvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22381257
Barbrook Resvr, BaslowSK27T23/04/20191AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP53E
Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26R01/08/20154AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQCHU
Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26R31/07/20151LarvaeUnknown;Hanson Salevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPOJ2
Peak DistrictSK27M19/08/20141LarvaParry, Ewanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC6368100
LightwoodSK07M15/05/20141adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41013645
Ladycroft AveSK07S14/05/20141adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41012609
Yew Tree FarmSK36H06/07/20131adultSinnott, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38922771
Burbage Moor (plantation), Dore, SheffieldSK28Q27/06/20121AdultR. Harrisvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJULM
Longshaw Est,Nether PadleySK28K28/04/20111LarvaeC. Stubbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZAH
Millstone Edge,HathersageSK28K04/06/20101AdultH.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD4O
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R28/05/20091AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK14Y
Lowes Hill,RipleySK35V23/06/20081AdultDave Budworth;R.A. Wainvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKK18
Moor Edge, Birch Vale, New MillsSK08I13/07/19961AdultS. Dobsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIZUA
Parkway, New MillsSK08D20/05/19921AdultJ. Pottsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI1BK
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/05/19911AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHL4M
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Y26/05/19911AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHL4Z
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z26/05/19911AdultA. Braddock;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ57N
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Y26/05/19911AdultA. Braddock;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ580
Etherow NR, Compstall, MarpleSJ99Q17/06/19901AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKSD
Fernhill Rd, MellorSJ98U15/05/19901AdultI.F. Smithvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKQX
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Y14/05/19903AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKQW
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Y14/05/19903AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ520
Lumb House, Eversleigh Rise, South Darley, Darley BridgeSK26Q19/06/19891AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0FO
Chunal Moor, GlossopSK09F19/05/19891AdultI.F. Smithvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OITEX
The Green, Hasland, ChesterfieldSK36Z29/07/19751AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIJ9Z
Slagmill Plantation,Beeley MoorSK36E03/06/19701AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEPZ
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z01/06/19701AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHRI
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley MoorSK26Y11/06/19681AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHW1P
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y11/06/19681AdultB. Elliott;T.W. Harmanvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP857
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D26/05/19642AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH6E
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley MoorSK26Y04/06/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGOL
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y04/06/19601AdultA. Hepworth;B. Elliott;P. Spraggvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7PK
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D28/05/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGMT
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D21/05/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGKO
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z17/05/19592AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHDWA
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z17/05/19592AdultB. Elliott;B.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQSO
nr Wraggs Quarry, RowsleySK26Y02/06/19571AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQPH
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N14/06/19561AdultA.M. Emmetvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQA6
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E24/05/19531AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQMO
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z25/05/19521AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCZ
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z25/05/19526AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZD0
Ramsley Moor, Owler BarSK27X05/06/19511AdultT.D. Fearnehoughvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSKX
Totley Moss, Nether Padley (site not precise)SK27U10/06/19507AdultT.D. Fearnehoughvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSKT
Holy Moor, Holymoorside (site not precise)SK36N06/06/19221AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZAT
Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26R01/08/19154AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHK5
Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26R31/07/19151LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHK2
Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise)SK47G11/06/19111AdultS. Hookevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHD6L
Ashopton, Ladybower Resr (site not precise)SK18Y01/01/19051AdultE.A. Cockaynevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSB8
Ashopton, Ladybower Resr (site not precise)SK18Y01/01/19001AdultE.A. Cockaynevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OICZ9

The Miller       Knot Grass

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