Xestia speciosa

(Hübner, 1813)

Species Guides

1

Xestia speciosa is a noctuid with a broad Holarctic distribution spanning northern Europe, northern Asia, and northwestern North America. The exhibits notable subspecific variation, with recognized including speciosa, arctica, and modesta. are active during summer months, and larvae feed on specific low-growing plants including Vaccinium myrtillus, Lonicera nigra, and Betula nana. Some authors treat Xestia apropitia as a valid species, while others classify it as a subspecies of X. speciosa.

Xestia speciosa by Dumi. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Xestia speciosa 01 by Luomus, University of Helsinki. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Xestia speciosa aegrota by Luomus, University of Helsinki. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xestia speciosa: //ˈzɛs.ti.ə spɛˈkɪ.oʊ.sə//

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Identification

The nominate X. s. speciosa has a wingspan of 38–50 mm, while subspecies arctica is smaller at 36–45 mm. Separation from similar Xestia requires examination of genitalia and detailed wing pattern analysis. The taxonomic status of several proposed subspecies remains disputed and requires further study.

Images

Habitat

Inhabits northern and montane environments. In Europe, occurs in Fennoscandia, the Baltic region, and mountainous areas of central and southern Europe. In North America, found in northwestern regions including Alberta and Manitoba.

Distribution

Northern Europe including Fennoscandia and the Baltic region; parts of Russia; northern Asia through to the Pacific Ocean and Japan; mountainous areas of central and southern Europe; northwestern North America (Alberta, Manitoba, Canada).

Seasonality

are on wing from June to August in one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), Lonicera nigra (black honeysuckle), and Betula nana (dwarf birch).

Life Cycle

with one per year. overwinter and hatch in late spring. Larval development occurs through summer, with followed by in June.

Similar Taxa

  • Xestia apropitiaTreated as a valid by some authors, but as a of X. speciosa by Mikkola, Lafontaine, and Kononenko (1996). The distinction requires taxonomic expertise to resolve.
  • Xestia viridescensSometimes included as a of X. speciosa, though its status requires further study.

Sources and further reading