Noctuidae

73.208 Sword-grass Xylena exsoleta (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notable Nb

Similar species: Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta has a dark trailing edge to the forewing that strongly contrasts with the paler leading edge. The legs are darker on the upper surface than those of Sword-grass.

Forewing: 24 to 29mm

Habitats: Rough grassland, moorland and open woodland

Habits: The moth comes to sugar and over-ripe blackberries. It nectars at Ivy blossom and in the spring on Blackthorn blossom and sallow catkins. It also comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva feeds throughout the day and night on Creeping Cinquefoil, docks, Common Restharrow, Hop, Bog Myrtle, stonecrops, Groundsel, Flag Iris, thistles, Sugar Beet, Cabbage and sometimes Delphinium, Chrysanthemum and other garden species. In captivity it accepts Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Bird Cherry. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on sow-thistles, dandelion, Butterbur, goosefoots, spurges, clovers, rock-roses, Sea Lavender, bedstraws and occasionally willows.