Noctuidae : Xyleninae
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Photo © Paul Harris

Similar Dorset Species
Red Sword-grass
Xylena vetusta
Golden-rod Brindle
Xylena solidaginis
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Sword-grass
Xylena exsoleta

(Linnaeus, 1758) 2242 / 73.208

Davey, P. 2009: A declined species occurring very locally on moorland in northern England, north Wales and Scotland, the larva is polyphagous on trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth has disappeared as it has across much of southern Britain. It used to occur sparingly in a range of diverse habitats across the county, often in a rather drier biotype than that occupied by the Red Sword-grass2241. The following records refer: Sherborne, several (J Douglas), Bere Wood, one (E... Read More

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 6 (15%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1885.
Last Recorded in 1995.
(Data up to end 2019)
Additional Stats

Forewing: 24-29mm.
Flight: Sept-April. (hibernates)
Foodplant:   Thistles, Creeping Cinquefoil, Common Restharrow, others
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Nationally Scarce
BAP Status: Priority Species
Former Status: Nationally Scarce B
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
< Golden-rod Brindle | Red Sword-grass >
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records (data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
03/12/199519SY66 Portland Bill
21/10/198919SZ07 Swanage
16/10/193819SZ07 Swanage
01/10/193819SZ07 Swanage
24/10/193719SY99 Lytchett Matravers

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