73.209 BF2241

Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta

(Hübner, [1813])

Wingspan 50-57 mm.

A large species, which rests with the wings furled tightly around the abdomen, tapering to a point. It has a predominantly southern and western distribution, but is scattered locally to the north of Scotland.

Occupying damp woodland, mountain moorland and marshy places, the flight period is September and October, after which it hibernates, appearing again in March and April.

The larvae feed on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs, and low plants.