Xestia castanea (Esper, 1798)

Host plants:
The larvae are polyphagous, but prefer Genista, Sarothamnus and Calluna.

Habitat:
Xestia castanea inhabits typically broom heathland, bushy sandy grasslands, open dry woodlands and in the South generally many dry and warm habitats.

Life cycle:
The moths occur between mid-August and October. The larvae hibernate still relative small and are active in the first spring (February/March) where they rest on the shoots of bromm or Calluna during daytime. In later instars they usually hide in the litter and are active in the night. They are mature between mid-April and late May.

Remarks:
Xestia castanea is generally widespread in Europa, but usually only local in Central Europe. It is also found in NW-Africa and parts of SW-Asia (Near East, Anatolia).