Heath Rustic
Xestia agathina
This record describes Xestia agathina (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 36 mm. There are a number of colour forms in different parts of the country, including a blackish form, ab. scopariae in northern England. The flight time of the adults is September, when they can be attracted to light. Widespread, but not common, in most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Xestia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting heathland and moorland.
Seasonal Activity
The flight time of the adults is September, when they can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is heather.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, but not common, in most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Xestia agathina. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Heath Rustic (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Heath Rustic
What is Heath Rustic?
Heath Rustic (Xestia agathina) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Heath Rustic found?
Habitat: Inhabiting heathland and moorland.
When is Heath Rustic active?
Heath Rustic: seasonal activity - The flight time of the adults is September, when they can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Heath Rustic?
The larval foodplant is heather.