Xylena vetusta (Hübner, 1813)

Host plants:
The larva is polyphagous on herbs. On Lesbos Island they lived on Alisma and Cyperaceae in shallow water.

Habitat:
Xylena vetusta colonizes woodland edges, riparian areas and extensive meadows and pastures, which are often - but not exclusively - more moist.

Life cycle:
The adults fly overwintering from September to May. The caterpillars live from May through July. In S-Europe they are often mature as early as May. The larva can rest several months in the cocoon prior to pupation.

Remarks:
Xylena vetusta occurs from Morocco across Europe to Siberia.