Square-spot Rustic vs Feathered Thorn
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Square-spot Rustic | Feathered Thorn |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xestia xanthographa | Colotois pennaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 32-38 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Square-spot Rustic
An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.
Did You Know?
Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.
Feathered Thorn
An autumn-flying moth with warm orange-brown wings and males bearing dramatically feathered antennae. It flies late in the year when few other moths are active.
Did You Know?
Males use their enormous feathered antennae to detect female pheromones on cold autumn nights.