Square-spot Rustic vs Hairy Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Square-spot Rustic Hairy Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Xestia xanthographa Anoplognathus hirsutus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Scarabaeidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 18-25 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Square-spot Rustic

An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.

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Did You Know?

Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.

Hairy Christmas Beetle

A densely hairy golden-brown Christmas beetle found in southeastern Australia. The fine hairs covering its body distinguish it from other Anoplognathus species.

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Did You Know?

The dense body hair is thought to help regulate temperature during cool summer evenings.