About Xestia baja (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
This is a technical description of Xestia baja, including notes on its morphological variation. The wingspan of the species ranges from 35 to 40 mm. Its forewings are dull red-brown, with a faint lilac-grey tinge in some areas. A distinct black preapical costal bar is present. The upper stigmata are large, with faint pale rings. The lower lobe of the reniform spot is dark. The median shade forms a brown space between the stigmata. There is a black dot near the base of the cell. The hindwings are ochreous or yellowish grey. ab. bajula Stgr. is smaller than the typical form and suffused with grey, lacking any red tinge. The northern form punctata Auriv has lines that are prominently marked by dots on the veins. The forms purpurea Tutt, grisea Tutt and coerulescens Tutt are simple color variations.
