Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum, (Linnaeus, 1758))

General Information
Pupates in loose soil.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 14-19mm.
Foodplant(s): nettles (Urtica spp.), willowherbs (Epilobium spp.), docks (Rumex spp.), herbaceous plants
Flying: Two generations, May-July and early August-October
UK Presence: Immigrant, Possible Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Lowland woodland, marshes and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 168 (62.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in November 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 15 April to 06 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 June to 12 July

Similar Species

Kilmartin, Argyll 28-07-14

Triple-spotted Clay Xestia ditrapezium

Great Staughton

Double Square-spot Xestia triangulum

2126 (ABH73.359) Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR10199