Neglected Rustic       Square-spot Rustic
Heath Rustic - Noctuidae - Xestia agathina
73.356 BF2135  – Heath Rustic  – Xestia agathina  – (Duponchel, 1827)
Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Noctuinae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: A variable species but the main characteristic is a long black wedge shape running through the forewing that contains a rather elongated small pale straw or whitish coloured oval. Also the kidney mark is same colour as oval. Pale shoulder patches and small white vein-streaks into the forewing fringes. A moorland species.
Distribution:  (Last record: 20 September 2024 at Birch Vale )  –  Appears to be still a resident species whose population in Derbyshire is uncertain. An uncommon species that is found across a wide central moorland belt in the north of the county.
General Comment: None Flight Period: August /  September –  On the wing August – September Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Simon Roddis / Christian Heintzen  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 28-36mm
Forewing: 14-16mm Food Plant: Heather (Calluna).
Last Recorded Year: September 2024
Last Recorded By – Jane Hewitt
Last Recorded General Area – Birch Vale
Selected Images:  Darley Dale, Derbyshire – Simon Roddis© / Glossop – Christian Heintzen©

Heath Rustic - Noctuidae - Xestia agathina
Heath Rustic – Darley Dale, Derbyshire – Simon Roddis 
Heath Rustic - Noctuidae - Xestia agathina
Heath Rustic – Darley Dale, Derbyshire – Simon Roddis 
73.356 Heath Rustic 6/9/2024 - Christian Heintzen
73.356 Heath Rustic 6/9/2024 – Christian Heintzen
73.356 Heath Rustic 3/9/2024 - Christian Heintzen
73.356 Heath Rustic 3/9/2024 – Christian Heintzen
Heath Rustic - Noctuidae - Xestia agathina
Heath Rustic - Noctuidae - Xestia agathina
73.356 Heath Rustic 6/9/2024 - Christian Heintzen
73.356 Heath Rustic 3/9/2024 - Christian Heintzen


Image Gallery

Heath Rustic6th September 2024- Christian Heintzen Heath Rustic 3rd September 2024 - Christian Heintzen

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1990 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Xestia agathina

Found 84 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 27 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 57 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 agathina

⚠️ 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 agathina
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

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

First/Last Recorded Dates: Xestia agathina
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 agathina
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Xestia agathina
AGR: 5.6%   |   Total % Change: 290.9%

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

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Xestia agathina

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 agathina – 84 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
sheffieldSK38M12/09/20251adultTurner, Janvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45357594
Cromford MoorSK25X07/09/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC45402575
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U02/09/202512adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48787588
Glossop, Shittern Clough WoodlandSK09M26/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48787364
Nether North Grain, Snake RoadSK19B24/08/202510adultNeil Shermanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48244998
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L24/08/202511adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48746869
Stoney Clouds, meadowSK43T23/08/20251adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44732207
Walton ChesterfieldSK36U23/08/20251adultPalethorpe, Amandavc57_irecords_extractiBRC44754009
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L22/08/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48744673
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U17/08/20252adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48743972
Kinder Scout, Fetaherbed Top (m asl)SK09V15/08/20252AdultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48741403
Birch ValeSK08I20/09/20241adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC39759596
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L06/09/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678416
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U03/09/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678337
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U03/09/20243adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38678360
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L29/08/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38473484
Birch ValeSK08I28/08/20241adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC39759058
Belper GardenSK34P08/09/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34544600
Havercroft RoadSK38L08/09/20231AdultTait, Malcolmvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36369257
Glossop, Upper Bray CloughSK09K27/08/20233adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337533
High Leas Farm, RiberSK35D26/08/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33497172
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L25/08/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337496
Glossop, Black Moor (m altitude)SK09Q15/08/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36337295
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09K01/09/20222adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335250
ChaddesdenSK33T06/09/20211Adultvaliantlionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC27875300
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N06/09/20201adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-2021338
Buxton SK, UKSK07S23/08/20201AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22511926
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J28/08/20191adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45761284
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A27/08/20191adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35161915
Havercroft RoadSK38L27/08/20191AdultTait, Malcolmvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36367843
Birch ValeSK08I02/09/20181adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40106514
BelperSK34U22/08/20181adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC38610323
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J21/08/20181adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45740995
Pleasley Pit CP, PleasleySK46X21/08/20181AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP4XZ
Welbeck Drive, WingerworthSK36T20/08/20181AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP4XH
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J18/08/20181adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45741482
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J23/06/20181adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45741405
Pleasley Pit CP, PleasleySK46X27/08/20161AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPTL2
Jim Mart Nature ReserveSK36S06/09/20151AdultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC34907944
Birch ValeSK08I02/08/20141adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41009769
Beeley Moor (Wragg's Quarry)SK26Y03/09/20124AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJW0R
Beeley Moor (Slagmill Plantation)SK36E03/09/20123AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., CLARKE, Mr D.A., PATRICK, Mr P., vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKG04
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y03/09/20124AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPC30
Beeley Moor (Slagmill Plantation)SK36E03/09/20123AdultDave Budworth;D.A. Clarke;H. Wood;P. Patrickvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQHP1
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R24/08/20121AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL9P1
Beeley Triangle,Beeley MoorSK26Y22/08/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJTDO
Beeley Triangle, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y22/08/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPLXL
Flash Lane,Beeley MoorSK26X29/08/20085AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKLVZ
Alfreton Park, AlfretonSK45C29/08/20081AdultDave Budworth;P. Patrickvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKLX5
Alfreton Park, AlfretonSK45C29/08/20081AdultDave Budworth;P. Patrickvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPRO3
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S09/09/20071AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJZBU
Far Cross,Cavendish Park,MatlockSK36A06/09/20052AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OICP8
Leash Fen area, Clod Hill Moor, BaslowSK27W28/08/20051AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJAT3
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z09/09/20041AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ84M
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z09/09/20041AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOXGR
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N22/08/20031AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI4TS
Longshaw Est, Padley GorgeSK28K22/08/20031AdultH.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI4UB
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N22/08/20031AdultB. Barnacle;I.M. Viles;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ1MQ
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R01/09/20001AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ21E
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R01/09/20001AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5WC
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R26/08/19991AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ1MG
Blacka Moor,TotleySK28V25/08/19991AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ1M9
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/08/199414AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIYKS
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/08/199414AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIYKT
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z26/08/199414AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXDS
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z29/07/19943AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIYG2
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z29/07/19943AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIYGT
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z29/07/19943AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXBY
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S08/07/19942AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIY2R
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S15/09/19931AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIXNE
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S15/09/19931AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOWZN
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S15/09/19931AdultSteve Orridge;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOWZO
Parkway, New MillsSK08D05/09/19911AdultJ. Pottsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHLDQ
Woodlands, Combs, Chapel en le FrithSK07P31/08/19911AdultS.G. Pricevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVNF
Woodlands, Combs, Chapel en le FrithSK07P31/08/19911AdultS.G. Pricevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOMS8
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z25/08/19911AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVML
Beeley Moor (Triangle)SK27Y01/09/19901AdultD. Brownvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI0YJ
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, ChesterfieldSK37K01/09/19902AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUYV
Beeley Moor (Triangle)SK27Y01/09/19901AdultD. Brownvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPSS
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, ChesterfieldSK37K01/09/19902AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPSV
Beeley Moor (Triangle)SK27Y26/08/19902AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIUYO
Beeley Moor (Triangle)SK27Y26/08/19902AdultA Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ55U
Breadsall Moor, Little EatonSK33U01/01/18782Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGH7
Breadsall Moor, Little EatonSK33U01/01/18782AdultW.G. Sheldonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ2D

Neglected Rustic       Square-spot Rustic

Copyright Tony Davison © 2024 - 2026 www.derbyshiremoths.org

Scroll to Top