Xestia ditrapezium (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The caterpillar lives polyphagous on herbs and young trees, e.g. Rubus or Urtica dioica.

Habitat:
Xestia ditrapezium inhabits forest edges, forb communities, river banks, successions, dwarf shrub stocks (as in coniferous forests or peat bogs). It is often found in rather damp to mesophilic habitats.

Life cycle:
The caterpillar overwinters and can be found in the autumn (September to November, then especially by tapping in the herbaceous layer), and after hibernation in April and May (usually at night with a pocket lamp). The moths fly from June to August.

Remarks:
Xestia ditrapezium is widespread and often common in the temperate zone of Europe and Asia.