Noctuidae

73.362 Ashworth's Rustic Xestia ashworthii (Doubleday, 1855)

Notable A

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Rocky outcrops and scree on steep hillsides, rocky outcrops on moorland, quarries and lower mountain slopes.

Habits: The moth is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The mainly nocturnal larva feeds on Heather, Bell Heather, Creeping Willow, Foxglove, Wild Thyme, Common Rock-rose, Lady's-bedstraw, Goldenrod, Salad Burnet, Harebell, Sheep's Sorrel and other herbaceous plants. It is occasionally found basking in the spring. In captivity it accepts sallow, preferring the catkins. Pupation takes place in the leaf litter, amongst moss in crevices between rocks or just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on ragworts, Dandelion, plantains, sorrels and Bramble.