72.002 Straw Dot Copyright Martin Evans
72.002 Straw Dot Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.002 Straw Dot Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.002 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis (Scopoli, 1763)

Common

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

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Damp grassland with tall grasses, marshes, fens, moorland, heathland, woodland rides and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk, often in large numbers. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on False Brome, Purple Moor-grass, Torgrass and other grasses. It pupates in a cocoon spun between blades of grass.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on meadow-grasses and possibly sedges.