Sword-grass (Xylena exsoleta, (Linnaeus, 1758))

General Information
Pupates in leaf litter.
Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 24-29mm.
Foodplant(s): thistles (Carduus spp.), Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), stonecrops (Sedum spp.), groundsels (Senecio spp.), docks (Rumex spp.), Common Hop (Humulus lupulus), Sugar-beet (Beta vulgaris), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, September-October and March-May (hibernates)
UK Presence: Resident, Possible Immigrant
National status: Nationally Scarce B

Habitat

Moorland, pasture and open woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 4 (1.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 1902

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 October to 12 October

Similar Species

Golden-rod Brindle Xylena solidaginis (=Lithomoia)

Earith

Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta

2242 (ABH73.208) Sword-grass Xylena exsoleta, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR09671