Description: Wingspan 28-36 mm. Forewings are usually rosy brown with a paler costal streak and small, pale stigmata. There is a broad black wedge-shaped mark emanating from the basal area of the forewing and extending to postmedian line. There is a series of small dark wedge-shaped marks along the inner edge of the subterminal line. Hindwings greyish brown with darker veining. Mid August to late September.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe.

Irish Distribution: Generally distributed and reported from all counties and on Rathlin Island. Most frequently seen at well-trapped sites in Armagh, Down and Tyrone. Recorded frequently from the Argory and Peatlands, Armagh; Ballykinler, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Seaforde and Lackan Bog, Down and Rehaghy Mountain, Tyrone.

Ecology: A heath and moorland species, which is said to prefer tall heather clumps with well-spaced trees. Adults come to light in small numbers and rest by day among the heather. The larvae feed from October to May on young Heather Calluna vulgaris. It overwinters as a small larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Broad dark wedge-shaped mark, emanating from the basal area of the forewing
• Small pale stigmata
• Dark wedge-shaped marks at the subterminal line
• Pale hindwings

Distribution Map from NBN: Xestia agathina at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Xestia agathina at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.