2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Wingspan 35-42 mm.A distinctive species, which is widely distributed throughout Britain, sometimes commonly. The population is sometimes reinforced by immigration in the autumn.
In the southern half of its range, there are two broods, flying in small numbers in May and June, but far more commonly in August and September. In the north there is just one generation, flying in July and August.
The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, but especially nettle (Urtica).