Noctuidae

73.177 Maize Wainscot Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre, 1827)

Immigrant

Similar species: This moth looks similar to several smaller buff coloured wainscots, but with a combination of a dotted outer central cross-line, a narrow dark outer edge to the forewing, a longitudinal streak (which is not always present) and males with feathered antennae, it is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 13 to 19mm

Habitats: In southern Europe it inhabits grasslands including arable fields.

Habits: The first British record of this moth was at St. Agnes, Scilly on 2nd October 2011. There were three more records in South Devon on 7th & 8th September 2021. The moth is continually brooded in the tropics.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. In the Mediteranean region the larva feeds inside the stems of Common Reed and Giant Cane. It is also a major pest of Maize, Wheat, Oats and Barley, attacking not only the stems, but also the seed-heads.