Noctuidae : Xyleninae
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Photo © Peter Hall

Similar West Midlands Species
Sword-grass
Xylena exsoleta
Flame
Axylia putris
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Red Sword-grass
Xylena vetusta

(Hübner, 1813) 2241 / 73.209

An uncommon resident.

A species of moorland and upland areas but as a migrant can be found away from those habitats.

Overwinters as an adult feeding on Ivy blossom and ripe blackberries in the autumn and Sallow catkins in the spring. Comes to light.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 46 (33%) of 140 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1853.
Last Recorded in 2023.
(Data up to end 2023)
Additional Stats

Forewing: 24-29mm
Flight: September - November and March - April (hibernates)
Foodplant:   Herbaceous and woody plants
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Former Status: Local and suspected immigrant
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
< Sword-grass | Satellite >
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records (data up to end 2023)
Date#VC10k Area
07/10/20231VC36 - HerefordshireSO25
20/04/20231VC39 - StaffordshireSJ82
08/04/20231VC39 - StaffordshireSJ82
31/03/20231VC40 - ShropshireSJ43
27/03/20221VC40 - ShropshireSO58

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