Noctuidae

73.137 Fen Wainscot Arenostola phragmitidis (Hübner, [1803])

Local

Similar species: A distinctive moth with a forewing that smoothly shaded from pale at the base to a more reddish brown in the outer area with a brown fringe.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Coastal and inland reed-beds.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and will come to light before it is fully dark. It is also attracted to flowering grasses.

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stems of Common Reed, changing stems as it grows. It pupates in the leaf litter.