Pyralidae

62.0765 Southern Hayworm Hypsopygia nostralis (Guenée, 1854)

Immigrant

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 10mm

Habitats: The moth is associated with hay and thatch and was originally from south-eastern USA (Texas to Florida), Saint Helena, Réunion, Peurto Rico, Madagascar, Mauritius, but it has been accidentally introduced to countries around the world. It is found in South America, central and South Africa and recently (2017 and June and July 2024) it was recorded in Belgium.

Habits: The first British record for this moth was on 2nd August 2024 in Clapton, London. It is nocturnal and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on dried organic material including hay from Bermuda Grass, Alfalfa, Perennial Peanut and also Sabal Palm thatch.