Cossidae

50.003 Reed Leopard Phragmataecia castaneae (Hübner, 1790)

RDB

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 15 to 23mm

Habitats: Old established reedbeds or swamp within the margins of ponds in marshes and fens.

Habits: The moth is nocturnal and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva lives within the roots and lower stems of Common Reed. The larva overwinters twice in a reed stem about twenty to thirty centimetres under the water level. Its presence causes the flowers to abort. It can move from stem to stem. In the final year it pupates within the stem near to a prepared exit hole.