Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2128 (ABH73.361) Double Square-spot Xestia triangulum, (Hufnagel, 1766)

KR10201

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 17-19mm.
Foodplant(s): buttercups (Ranunculus spp.), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvetris), Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, June-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, hedgerows, fens, grassland, heathland and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 141 (52.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 26 May to 29 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 02 March to 12 July

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum
Kilmartin, Argyll 28-07-14
Kilmartin, Argyll 28-07-14
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Triple-spotted Clay Xestia ditrapezium
Great Staughton, August 2011
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Square-spotted Clay Xestia stigmatica (=rhomboidea)


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