Species Xestia xanthographa - Square-spot Rustic - Hodges#10945

Classification · Hodges Number · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat · Season · Food · Internet References · Works Cited

Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa

Noctuidae: Xestia xanthographa - Xestia xanthographa

Owlet Moth - Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa

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Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Superfamily Noctuoidea (Owlet Moths and kin)

Family Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)

Subfamily Noctuinae (Cutworm or Dart Moths)

Tribe Noctuini

Subtribe Noctuina

Genus Xestia

Species xanthographa (Square-spot Rustic - Hodges#10945)

Hodges Number

10945

Size

Forewing 13-17 mm, wingspan 30-40 mm.

Identification

A rather plain species characterized by having a reddish brown forewing with few contrasting markings. There are usually small spots on the postmedial line and pale yellowish shading that partially fills the reniform and orbicular spots. Hindwing is pale buff to brown. (1)

Range

North American distribution is mainly in the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia south to California, but has also been found in scattered localities across the northern U.S. and southern Canada. This species is thought to have been introduced from Europe.

Habitat

Variable, grasslands, woodlands, gardens.

Season

Adults fly mainly in August and September.

Food

Larval food reported to be mainly grasses, but also includes numerous herbs and small shrubs.

Internet References

Moth Photographers Group (MPG)

Pacific Northwest Moths

BOLD

Works Cited

1.	The Moths of America North of Mexico, Noctuiodea, Noctuinae, Noctuini (Part), Fascicle 27.3 J. Donald LaFontaine. 1998. The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation.

Contributed by John Davis on 6 September, 2007 - 7:00pm
Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Last updated 13 February, 2022 - 11:44am

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