Square-spotted Clay
Xestia stigmatica
This record describes Xestia stigmatica (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Inhabiting deciduous woodland with scattered undergrowth. The caterpillar has only recently been found in Britain for the first time in the wild. The actual foodplants are not yet fully understood, but are probably a variety of plants such as bramble and birch. A local and elusive species, with a scattered distribution mainly in the south of England, but also with some localities in northern England, Wales and Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. 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 deciduous woodland with scattered undergrowth.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly during August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar has only recently been found in Britain for the first time in the wild. The actual foodplants are not yet fully understood, but are probably a variety of plants such as bramble and birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local and elusive species, with a scattered distribution mainly in the south of England, but also with some localities in northern England, Wales and Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Xestia stigmatica. 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 Square-spotted Clay (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Square-spotted Clay
What is Square-spotted Clay?
Square-spotted Clay (Xestia stigmatica) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Square-spotted Clay found?
Habitat: Inhabiting deciduous woodland with scattered undergrowth.
When is Square-spotted Clay active?
Square-spotted Clay: seasonal activity - Adults fly during August..
What is the life cycle of a Square-spotted Clay?
The caterpillar has only recently been found in Britain for the first time in the wild. The actual foodplants are not yet fully understood, but are probably a variety of plants such as bramble and birch.