Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2134 (ABH73.357) Square-spot Rustic Xestia xanthographa, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR10212

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 14th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 14th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
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: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): small herbaceous plants, grasses
Flying: One generation, late July-early October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 146 (54.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in November 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 05 June to 03 November

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 30 March to 01 December

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Brown Rustic Rusina ferruginea


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