Red Sword-grass
Common NameRed Sword-grass
Scientific NameXylena vetusta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, cream
HabitatDamp woodlands, moorland, fens, bogs, and other wetland areas.
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, and North America.
Host Plantswillow, bog-myrtle, heather, various grasses and herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodSeptember to November, then March to May after overwintering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in autumn, overwintering as adults before reappearing in spring to breed.
Identification TipsLook for the elongated, narrow forewings with a mottled brown and grey pattern, the prominent dark 'sword-grass' streak, and the pale costal stripe. The moth often rests with its wings folded tightly, resembling a piece of bark or dead wood.
Description
A medium-sized moth with long, narrow, mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring a distinctive dark 'sword-grass' streak near the base and a pale stripe along the costa. The thorax is often darker brown.
