Dotted Clay - Xestia baja

Wingspan 35 to 40 mm.

This is a moth of woodland and heathland.

The adults fly in July and August in a single generation, and are frequently attracted to light.

The caterpillars hibernate when quite young, and in the spring feed nocturnally on Bog Myrtle, Bramble and other plants and trees.

A widespread and fairly common species throughout the British Isles. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).