Square-spotted Clay       Heath Rustic
Neglected Rustic - 29th August 2024 - Gnat Hole, Glossop - Christian Heintzen
73.355 BF2132  – Neglected Rustic  – Xestia castanea  – (Esper, 1798)
Adult Macro:  CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs maybe required – Can be confused with other species      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Noctuinae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Dotted Clay; Square-spot Rustic
ID pointers: Fairly unmistakeable and finely marked. A diagnostic feature is the black base to the kidney mark in the central area of the forewing. There are two colour forms, red & grey with pinkish fringes to the outer edge of the forewing.
Distribution:  (Last record: 13 September 2025 at Birch Vale )  –  A resident species that is locally common and restricted to the upland grit-stone moorlands of Derbyshire. Both red and grey colour forms occur.
General Comment: None Flight Period: August /  September –  On the wing August – September Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – but can be disturbed during the day Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Bryan Barnacle, the late Claire Miles, Christian Heintzen  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 22 January 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 36-42mm
Forewing: 16-18mm Food Plant: Heather (Calluna) and Heath (Erica).
Last Recorded Year: 2025
Last Recorded By – Jane Hewitt
Last Recorded General Area – Birch Vale
Selected Images:  

28th August 2022 – Hathersage – the late Claire Miles / Froggatt, Derbyshire – Bryan Barnacle©/ Glossop-(2024)and (2025) Christian Heintzen© / Kinder Scout (2025) Christian Heintzen©

Neglected Rustic - The late Claire Miles
Neglected Rustic – The late Claire Miles
Neglected Rustic - The late Clair Miles
Neglected Rustic – The late Claire Miles
Neglected Rustic - Froggatt - Bryan Barnacle
Neglected Rustic – Froggatt – Bryan Barnacle
Neglected Rustic - 29th August 2024 - Gnat Hole, Glossop - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic – 29th August 2024 – Gnat Hole, Glossop – Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 27th August 2024 - Upper Bray, Glossop - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic – 27th August 2024 – Upper Bray, Glossop – Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 15th Aug 2025 - Kinder Scout, Featherbed Top - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic – 15th Aug 2025 – Kinder Scout, Featherbed Top – Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 17th Aug 2025 - Longdendale, Wildboar Clough - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic – 17th Aug 2025 – Longdendale, Wildboar Clough – Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 17th Aug 2025 - Longdendale, Wildboar Clough - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic – 17th Aug 2025 – Longdendale, Wildboar Clough – Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - The late Claire Miles
Neglected Rustic - The late Clair Miles
Neglected Rustic - Froggatt - Bryan Barnacle
Neglected Rustic - 29th August 2024 - Gnat Hole, Glossop - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 27th August 2024 - Upper Bray, Glossop - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 15th Aug 2025 - Kinder Scout, Featherbed Top - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 17th Aug 2025 - Longdendale, Wildboar Clough - Christian Heintzen
Neglected Rustic - 17th Aug 2025 - Longdendale, Wildboar Clough - Christian Heintzen


Image Gallery

Nelgected Rustic - Froggatt - Bryan Barnacle©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1952 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 1950 - 2014)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Xestia castanea

Found 112 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 52 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 60 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Xestia castanea

⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.


Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Xestia castanea
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Xestia castanea
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Xestia castanea
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Xestia castanea
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Xestia castanea
AGR: 9.1%   |   Total % Change: 580%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Xestia castanea
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Xestia castanea

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Xestia castanea – 112 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Birch ValeSK08I13/09/20251adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC47544158
Chatsworth House, Bakewell, England, GBSK27Q02/09/20251Adultbrendanboydvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45286937
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U02/09/202519adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48787587
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L31/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48787569
Bamford, Hope Valley SBE, UKSK28B30/08/20251Adultroger_fortonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45141611
Glossop, Shittern Clough WoodlandSK09M26/08/202510adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48787342
Bamford, Hope Valley SBE, UKSK28B25/08/20251Adultroger_fortonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44926529
Bamford, Hope Valley SBE, UKSK28B25/08/20251Adultroger_fortonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44926531
Nether North Grain, Snake RoadSK19B24/08/202525adultNeil Shermanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48244997
Nether North Grain, Snake RoadSK19B24/08/20251adultNeil Shermanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48245017
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L24/08/202583adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48746859
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough, Herod CloughSK09G23/08/20254adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48746609
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L22/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48744671
Cromford MoorSK25X21/08/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44789714
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U17/08/202514adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48743963
Kinder Scout, Fetaherbed Top (m asl)SK09V15/08/202536AdultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48741394
Cown Edge Farm marshSK09A14/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48740676
Glossop, TwitchlingsSK09L13/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48740622
Glossop, Bray CloughSK09K11/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48740190
Woodhead, Trans Pennine TrailSK19E10/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48731021
Froggatt, Hope ValleySK27N07/09/20242adultBarnacle, Bryanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38911061
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L06/09/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678405
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09G04/09/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678392
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U03/09/20244adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678362
Charlesworth, Cown Edge LandslideSK09A02/09/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38657871
Charlesworth, Cown Edge LandslideSK09A02/09/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38657897
Birch ValeSK08I02/09/20241adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC39759446
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L01/09/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38657855
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G31/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473527
Glossop, Cown EdgeSK09A30/08/20244adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473504
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L29/08/20245adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473488
Glossop, Upper Bray CloughSK09K27/08/20248adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473445
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09K26/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473413
Glossop, Chunal MoorSK09F20/08/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473300
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09L18/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473285
Longdendale, Torside CloughSK09T17/08/202410adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473265
Longdendale, Torside Clough, Long Gutter EdgeSK09T16/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473245
Glossop, Upper Bray CloughSK09K10/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473012
Birch ValeSK08I06/09/20231adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34355098
LightwoodSK07M03/09/20231adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35077339
Birch ValeSK08I01/09/20231adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34353914
Glossop, Upper Bray CloughSK09K27/08/202320adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337536
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L25/08/20237adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337499
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F23/08/202314adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337476
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U22/08/20233adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337448
Glossop, Black Moor (m altitude)SK09Q15/08/20233adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337299
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F06/09/20225adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335317
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay meadowSK09G30/08/20221adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335241
HathersageSK28F29/08/20221adultKydd, Alanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39052120
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F28/08/20221adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC29124931
Birch ValeSK08I20/08/20211AdultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34473092
Birch ValeSK08I04/09/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35066389
Barbrook Resvr, BaslowSK27T27/08/20192AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZ67
Birch ValeSK08I25/08/20193adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35072637
Birch ValeSK08I24/08/20191adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35073443
Birch ValeSK08I25/09/20181adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40107205
Birch ValeSK08I02/09/20181adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40106516
Birch ValeSK08I20/08/20181adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40107095
Matlock Moor,MatlockSK36A01/08/20141LarvaeH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP4BK
Beeley Moor (Wragg's Quarry)SK26Y03/09/20121AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJW0S
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y03/09/20121AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPC31
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N02/09/20111AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK7WW
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N02/09/20111AdultB. Barnacle;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPDFW
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N29/08/20111AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL42Y
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N29/08/20111AdultB. Barnacle;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQH9B
Beeley Triangle,Beeley MoorSK26Y22/08/20114AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJTDP
Beeley Triangle, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y22/08/20114AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPLXM
Buxton (Cote Heath Allotments - plot )SK07R28/09/20081AdultS. Bellvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKMBH
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q11/09/20081AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJL7S
Flash Lane,Beeley MoorSK26X29/08/20083AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKLW0
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q24/08/20081AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKLQC
The Field,Shipley,IlkestonSK44M20/07/20071AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKHS0
The Field,Shipley,IlkestonSK44M20/07/20071AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPHKJ
Leash Fen area, Clod Hill Moor, BaslowSK27W28/08/20055AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJAT4
Leash Fen area, Clod Hill Moor, BaslowSK27W28/08/20055AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPRFO
Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise)SK47G21/08/20051AdultS. Hookevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI6R4
Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise)SK47G21/08/20051AdultS. Hookevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ1V8
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R08/09/20032AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ4LY
Longshaw Est, Padley GorgeSK28K22/08/20031AdultH.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI4UD
Blacka Moor,TotleySK28V25/08/19991AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ1MB
BleaklowSK09X14/09/19961AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ0CF
BleaklowSK09X14/09/19961AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPERZ
Slagmill Plantation, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E31/08/19911AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVO7
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z25/08/19911AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVMM
Woodlands, Combs, Chapel en le FrithSK07P15/08/19911AdultS.G. Pricevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHLCG
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/08/19901AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUYM
Beeley Moor (Bomb Hole)SK26Z14/09/19861AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OISI8
Beeley Moor (Bomb Hole)SK26Z14/09/19861AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ1AX
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z24/08/19861AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIB0J
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z20/08/19831AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIQBD
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z20/08/19831AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ3P8
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z09/05/19751LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIIXU
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley MoorSK26Y04/05/19715LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDQB
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y04/05/19715LarvaeH. Trollopevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ9XD
Slagmill Plantation,Beeley MoorSK36E17/09/19631AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHVVZ
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D20/08/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGUS
Hell Bank, Beeley MoorSK26Z13/08/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEB4
The Croft, Pig Lane, Beeley, MatlockSK26T01/10/19591AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGGM
The Croft, Pig Lane, BeeleySK26T01/10/19591AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPIRA
Slagmill Plantation,Beeley MoorSK36E08/08/19591AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHE3T
Wraggs Quarry, RowsleySK26Y04/08/19571AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEWI
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y04/08/19571AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSOF
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z21/08/19523AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHV6H
Beeley Moor (Slagmill Plantation) (site not precise)SK36E21/08/19522AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHV6I
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z21/08/19523AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZDN
Beeley Moor (Slagmill Plantation) (site not precise)SK36E21/08/19522AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZDO
Totley Moor, Owler Bar (site not precise)SK27U10/05/19501LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHDI8
Totley Moor, Owler Bar (site not precise)SK27U10/05/19501LarvaeW Reidvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSKR
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N01/01/19461AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHV52
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N01/01/19461AdultA.M. Emmetvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCM
Baslow (site not precise)SK27L01/01/19051AdultE.A. Cockaynevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSB5
Baslow (site not precise)SK27L01/01/19001AdultE.A. Cockaynevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHD90

Square-spotted Clay       Heath Rustic

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