73.360 BF2127  -  Noctuidae -  Noctuinae - Xestia ditrapezium - Triple-spotted Clay Adult Macro:  CAT 2 - Can be confused with other species - Can be confused with other species       PDF Icon - click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Green -  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>  Noctuidae ID Difficulty:  amber  - care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Double Square-spot, Setaceous Hebrew Character
ID pointers: Can be confused with Setaceous Hebrew Character, but mainly with Double Square-spot, which looks very similar. Lacks the conspicuous pale wedge on the forewing of Setaceous Hebrew Character. In comparison to Double Square-spot it rests with its wings wrapped together more tightly, giving it a slender appearance., unlike Double Square-spot which shows less overlap and a broader appearance. The ground colour is purplish to reddish-brown, whereas Double Square-spot is typically pale brown. The colour of the hind wings can be of great help. On Triple-spotted Clay it is creamy pale grey or light brown. On Double Square-spot the hind wings are a smoky, dingy grey-brown colour.
Distribution:  (Last record: 20/07/2024 at Cromford )  -  A resident species that is locally distributed and generally uncommon in Derbyshire. Recorded in small numbers in the Trent Valley but the Derwent Valley holds greatest numbers. It is classed as a nationally local species, with a scattered distribution across the UK.
Flight Period: June /  July /  August /  -  On the wing June – August. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   - is attracted to light and sugar Photographed: Yes -  Photographed By: Tony Davison, Clive Ashton  © All Rights Reserved
Wingspan: 35-42mm
Forewing: 17-19mm
Food Plant: Sallow (Salix), Birch (Betula) and Bramble (Rubus).
Last Recorded Date: 20/07/2024
Last Recorded By: Clive Ashton
Last Recorded General Area: Cromford
No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW:  Melbourne Derbyshire – Tony Davison©

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