Xestia triangulum (Hufnagel, 1766)

Host plants:
The caterpillars live polyphagous on herbs and low shrubs. I found them on the eastern Swabian Alb from September to November 2011 very often on Urtica dioica, Clematis vitalba and Rubus idaeus.

Habitat:
Xestia triangulum inhabits forest edges, clearcuttings, riparian forests and stream banks, bushy places and similar habitats where forb communities are interlocked with woody plants.

Life cycle:
Xestia triangulum flies in a single generation from June to mid-August. In autumn, the caterpillars can be tapped on stream banks with Urtica and in other habitats. The wintered caterpillars are found in April and May. I found it near Memmingen often on Rubus and Urtica. They also climb on sprouting woods.

Remarks:
Xestia triangulum is widespread in Europe and temperate Asia.