Sword-grass
Common NameSword-grass
Scientific NameXylena exsoleta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open country
Geographic RangePalearctic region (Europe, Asia, North Africa)
Host Plantsgrasses, sallow, birch, dock, plantain, heather
Flight PeriodSeptember to November, and March to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants and shrubs, pupating in the soil. Adults emerge in autumn, overwinter, and fly again in spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, elongated bark-like forewings, and characteristic resting posture with wings held tightly along the body, resembling a broken twig.
Description
A large, robust moth with long, narrow, mottled grey-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark, often with subtle dark streaks.
