Text and photos Aare Lindt, www.loodusmuuseum.ee
Translation Liis
Dotted clay
Dotted clay Harilik kidaöölane Xestia baja
The dotted clay occurs in the whole of Estonia and is common everywhere. We can meet doted clays from the second half of July to the beginning of September in gardens and a variety of tree stands as well as in open landscapes.
The dotted clay is active at night, for daytime it climbs skilfully into hiding and so it is not particularly often seen. But in one night up to 100 individuals may fly to an artificial light. Although the dotted clay is very common locally it does no damage to field crops.
The caterpillar lives on herbaceous plants in autumn, after that it winters and in spring becomes active again, also foraging on deciduous trees and shrubs.
