Xestia xanthographa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The caterpillars live in the first place on grasses (Poaceae). Only very rarely herbs and young trees are eaten.

Habitat:
Xestia xanthographa colonizes grassy places of all kinds, if they are not used too intensively (missing in manured agricultural meadows).

Life cycle:
The caterpillar overwinters and can be found in autumn from October and in the spring from February until May. The moths fly especially in August and September.

Remarks:
Xestia xanthographa occurs from Northwest Africa across most of Europe to Central Asia. It was introduced in North America. In Central Europe it is one of the most common noctuids.