Square-spot Rustic
Common NameSquare-spot Rustic
Scientific NameXestia rhomboidea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, pale yellow
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsRubus, Vaccinium, Calluna, Betula, Salix, Rumex
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae hatching in autumn, overwintering, and pupating in spring. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct reddish-brown ground color combined with the pale, often yellowish, square-shaped claviform stigma and circular orbicular stigma on the forewings. The overall pattern can be somewhat cryptic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings featuring a prominent, pale, square-shaped spot (claviform stigma) and a circular spot (orbicular stigma). The hindwings are typically greyish-brown.
