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

Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa Xestia xanthographa Brown moth - Xestia xanthographa Noctuidae: Xestia xanthographa - Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa Owlet Moth - Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa Unknown Moth - Xestia xanthographa Owlet Moth - Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa
Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both
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.
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.