The Square-spot Rustic, Xestia xanthographa, belongs to a large genus that includes many Clays, Darts and Rustics. The square spot of its name refers to the squarish, pale kidney mark. It is a variable species – the field guide has no less than four illustrations to aid identification. I struggle with rustics – not surprising when the book says ‘Other markings are ususally weak,’ worn individuals can be tricky if not downright impossible. The background colour is a red-brown and one of the cross lines is a series of darker spots. The flight season is from late July until early October. It is a resident moth.
GB Status: Common
Food plant: Larvae feed on grasses and plantains.
Habitat: wide-ranging, wherever there are grasses.
Since 2000 it has been recorded in 4 10km squares in Guernsey. It is also recorded in Alderney.
Natural history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey 