Photo © Mike Wall

Dotted Clay

Xestia baja

Checklist Number
73.353 [B&F: 2130]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Noctuinae
Genus:Xestia
Species:baja
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common in woodland, heathland, scrubby grassland and marshes throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire widely distributed, but not particularly common and generally absent from the chalk. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1982. Wingspan 38-44 mm. Combination of general appearance and two black dots close to apex of forewing is distinctive. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Primrose, Stinging Nettle and Dock in autumn, and woody plants such as Blackthorn, Bog-myrtle and Willow in spring.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.