Noctuidae

73.035 Reed Dagger / Powdered Wainscot Simyra albovenosa (Goeze, 1781)

Notable B

Similar species: The combination of two dark forewing streaks, pointed forewing, lack of black dots along the central outer cross-line (dots are present along the outer edge) and especially the white hindwing should distinguish this moth from other wainscots.

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Reed-beds, marshes, fens, bogs and ditch margins.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva feeds on Common Reed, Grey Willow and other sallows, Yellow Loosestrife, Meadow-sweet, Wild Angelica, Water Dock, Tufted Sedge, Great Tussock-sedge, Great Fen-sedge and Whorl Grass. In captivity it will accept Buckthorn and broad-leaved grasses. It pupates in a cocoon spun among the leaves of its foodplant or in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Perennial Sow-thistle, Garden Angelica, Curled Dock, Marsh Cinquefoil, Reedmace, cotton-grass, rushes, club-rush, Lyme-grass, Red Fescue and Tall Fescue.