Noctuidae : Noctuinae
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Heath Rustic
Xestia agathina

(Duponchel, 1827) 2135 / 73.356
Photo © Damian Money,  Jugger Howe,VC62

Immature stages

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Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

In 1883 Porritt wrote "the larvae are often common in suitable heathery situations, but the imago is comparatively seldom seen". Nowadays, a mere 4% of our records are of the distinctive and attractive larva, which says much about our current reliance on light traps and lack of field work. This is another heather-feeding species, widespread in all heathery areas but usually in fairly small numbers. At some sites however it is much more abundant, for example 162 at Ravenscar Mast on 9/9/2023. It occurs on all of our lowland heaths, particularly at Strensall where is can be common. It is also frequently recorded in small numbers at a wide variety of lowland sites, and seems to have a tendency to wander widely to sites with no heather present.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Described as widespread on moorland and heathland by (Skinner, 1984), this species seems to have a rather odd distribution in Yorkshire. Although we have many records from vice-counties 62 and 64, there are only two from VC65 and none from the Sheffield moors (VC63) since Porritt (1883-86). Feeding in the wild on heather, Skinner suggests that the larvae of this species are easier to rear on a mixture of heather and sallow. A.M.R. Heron reports that they will also accept blackthorn and wild plum.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 101 (51%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1880.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

< Neglected Rustic  |  Square-spot Rustic >
Forewing: 14-16mm
Flight: August - September
Foodplant:   Heather
Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
BAP Status: Declining Species (BAP R)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
21/09/20241462SE66 - Strensall
21/09/2024162NZ90 - Robin Hoods Bay
18/09/2024164SE13 - Bradford
14/09/20244462SE66 - Strensall
09/09/20242862SE66 - Strensall
  Immature   Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
Show Details | 1990 to 2024 | 2000 to 2024 | Graph Key
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