Six-striped Rustic
Common NameSix-striped Rustic
Scientific NameXestia sexstrigata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)36
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, hedgerows, various open and semi-open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, extending into parts of Asia
Host Plantsdock, plantain, dandelion, knotgrass
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in late summer, larvae feed through autumn and overwinter, pupating in spring. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the six dark, often wavy, transverse lines on the forewings, and the distinct dark-edged kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown to ochreous forewings marked with several distinct, dark transverse lines and prominent, dark-ringed reniform and orbicular stigmata.
