Xestia communities (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in eastern Finnish Forest Lapland as indicated by light trap sampling

Xestia moths (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, subgenera Anomogyna and Pachnobia ) were collected with eleven light traps installed in various virgin habitats in the Värriötunturi fell area, E Finnish Forest Lapland (67° 44′N, 29° 37′E). Seven Xestia species were caught during the years 1978–84. The most abundant species, X. tecta and X. alpicola inhabited the widest range of habitats, from spruce‐covered ravines up to the treeless summit. The other species were almost entirely caught in the sprucecovered ravine. The largest catches were obtained in odd years, although some moths were also caught in the even years. There was a striking male dominance. The trap catches were separated into three groups, corresponding to the original classification of the trap habitats. Of the habitats, the open pine forest was nearest to the summit and the spruce forest farthest away. X. alpicola and X. tecta appear to be ecologically related species, while X. gelida and X. laetabilis are located at the other end of this ecological scale.