Noctuidae : Xyleninae
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Red Sword-grass
Xylena vetusta

(Hübner, 1813) 2241 / 73.209
Photo © Charlie Streets, 26 Oct 2008,  Gorpley Clough, Todmorden

Similar Yorkshire Species
Sword-grass
Xylena exsoleta
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Express Record Red Sword-grass

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Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

In 1907 Porritt wrote "occurs, but always very sparingly, all over the county". This was in contrast to Sword-grass which was "generally common". It seems to have been present at a low density ever since, and numbers have been fairly stable with 20 to 40 records most years. It is commonest in western and semi-upland areas and is rarer in the lowlands of the south and east. Climatic change seems to be exaggerating this situation; between 1998 and 2017, the height above sea level of the average record increased from 41m to 130m, ie 4.4 metres per year. This is an over-wintering species which emerges in October/November, enters its winter diapause, and re-emerges in the spring. It is happiest in boggy moorland and heathland and in damp woodland, though it can turn up in other habitats at times such as gardens.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: There are few recent sites for this species but in at least two of these it has been re-recorded and it appears well established. It has also been found at Low Coniscliffe, near Darlington, just over the Tees from east VC65 (Dunn & Parrack, 1986).

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 99 (50%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1846.
Last Recorded in 2023.
Additional Stats

< Sword-grass  |  Satellite >
Forewing: 24-29mm
Flight: September - November and March - April (hibernates)
Foodplant:   Herbaceous plants and low woody plants
Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
16/11/2023164SE14 - Ilkley / Menston / B in W
10/11/2023261TA17 - Bempton
08/11/2023162TA08 - Scarborough
04/11/2023161TA17 - Bempton
16/10/2023261TA07 - Hunmanby
  Immature   Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
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