UKMoths Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
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.
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