Photo © Roy Leverton

Northern Dart

Xestia alpicola

Checklist Number
73.363 [B&F: 2125]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Noctuinae
Genus:Xestia
Species:alpicola
Authority:(Zetterstedt, 1839)

Nationally scarce (Na) in mountains and high moorland, up to 850 m, in the Scottish Highlands, Outer Hebrides, Orkneys, Pennines and Lake District, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-40 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on Crowberry, over-wintering twice.