Square-spotted Clay - Xestia stigmatica

Wingspan 37 to 44 mm.

Inhabiting deciduous woodland with scattered undergrowth.

Adults fly during August.

The caterpillar has only recently been found in Britain for the first time in the wild. The actual foodplants are not yet fully understood, but are probably a variety of plants such as bramble and birch.

A local and elusive species, with a scattered distribution mainly in the south of England, but also with some localities in northern England, Wales and Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).