Apamea anceps ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses (Poaceae).I recorded it in a tussock of Corynephorus canescens in a dune in Spiekeroog Island (NW-Germany) during daytime. This was the main grass also in the direct vicinity. Literature mentions also Ammophila arenaria (coasts), Dactylus glomerata and some others. Supposedly almost all grasses in its habitat may be used. If there is a discrimination of egg-laying females, is not known, but probable.

Habitat:
Apamea anceps inhabits open and semi-open habitats of all kinds, also in embankments or grassy margins within intense agriculture. It misses in bogs and in the Alpine zone (at least in central Europe).

Life cycle:
The moths occur between May and July. The larvae hibernate and are active also during mild weather in winter. They are usually already mature in March. They are usually very hidden and seldom found which is in distinct contrast to those of Apamea sordens which are regularly found (e.g. beating grasses and dense vegetaion in summer or with a torch in spring). Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil.

Remarks:
Apamea anceps occurs in NW-Africa, Europe and temperate Asia. In Europe, it misses in the Arctic regions and mostly also in the south (except for some mountainous regions). In central Europe Apamea anceps is quite common.

Hints on determination:
The larvae are similar to those of A. sordens. Differences seem to exist in the final instar as follows: A. sordens has a much more wrinkled body surface, shows more contrasty coloration with light and dark (dorsal field) with much more inconspicuous black pinacula (which are furthermore weak below the spiracles). The white dorsal line is less homogenous and distinctly confined and often, but not always also a bit broader.
A. anceps is less wrinkled, less contrasty especially in the dorsal field with well visible pinacula, especially also below the spiracula. Its white dorsal line is a bit narrower and more homogenously confined.