73.357 BF2134  -  Noctuidae -  Noctuinae - Xestia xanthographa - Square-spot Rustic Adult Macro:  CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -       PDF Icon - click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Blue -  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >> . >>  Noctuidae ID Difficulty:  green  - easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: The diagnostic feature is the often pale, solid oval and square-shaped kidney mark, sometimes these are outlined. The ground colour varies considerably, being reddish-brown, grey-brown, dark-brown and pale-brown. The cross-lines are evident and sometimes weak but the third can often be a row of small dots or dashes.
Distribution:  A resident species that is widely distributed and generally common throughout Derbyshire. Main population densities are found in the southern lowland areas of the Trent Valley and Coal Measures.
Flight Period: July /  August /  September /  -  On the wing July – September Moth Activity: Nocturnal   - and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes -  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 11 March 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 32-35mm
Forewing: 14-17mm
Food Plant: Mainly on grasses.
Recorded dates for Common [Blue codeBlue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

IMAGES BELOW:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©

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