Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2131 (ABH73.354) Square-spotted Clay Xestia stigmatica (=rhomboidea), (Hübner, [1813])

KR10206

Great Staughton, August 2011
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton, August 2011
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, August 2011
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 17-20mm.
Foodplant(s): Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis), Oxlip (Primula elatio)
Flying: One generation, late July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Nationally Scarce B

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, hedgerows, heathland and scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 64 (23.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 03 July to 15 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 02 March to 06 April

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Purple Clay Diarsia brunnea
Kilmartin, Argyll 28-07-14
Kilmartin, Argyll 28-07-14
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Triple-spotted Clay Xestia ditrapezium
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Double Square-spot Xestia triangulum

Nationally Scarce B

Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Glossy
Colours:
Brown, white, black, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5