73.354 Xestia stigmatica (Square-spotted Clay)
ws: 37-44mm (MBGBI9), fw: 17-20mm (Waring & Townsend); Jul-Aug; lfp uncertain; NS-B in established broadleaved woodland locally in England, Wales and S.Scotland.
Synonym: X.rhomboidea (MBGBI9)
Synonym: X.rhomboidea (MBGBI9)
Xestia stigmatica (Square-spotted Clay) §1 male
ID: Very similar to X.ditrapezium (Triple-spotted Clay). Best distinguished by detail of the terminal region of the forewing, distal to the postmedian line. In X.ditrapezium this area is divided by a somewhat darker fairly narrow subterminal line which is variably expressed; the critical feature is that its costal end is broadened to form a distinct pre-apical mark. In X.stigmatica the subterminal line is broader throughout its length (and could be interpreted as a subterminal fascia) and does not show a distinct marking at its costal end.
§1 Swardestone Common, Norfolk; 08/08/2021; male; fw 17.1mm; found nectaring on hemp-agrimony
§2 Heydon, Cambridgeshire; 13/08/2024; female; fw 18.5mm; netted at night
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Heydon, Cambridgeshire; 13/08/2024; female; fw 18.5mm; netted at night
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 12/08/2022 (§1) | §2 added 12/11/2024
