Noctuidae

73.294 Southern Wainscot Mythimna straminea (Treitschke, 1825)

Local

Similar species: Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura lacks the triple band across the forehead and the well developed row of dots along the outer central cross-line of the forewing. Obscure Wainscot Mythimna obsoleta has a general dusting of fine black spots across the forewing, especially along the veins which are made more prominent by their dark edging. The main forewing vein is white and there is a white spot where the outer veins join the central vein. The forewing does not have a hooked tip.

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Reed-beds, marshes, fens and damp water margins.

Habits: The moth visits the flowers of grasses and is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds mainly on Common Reed and Reed Canary-grass, but probably also on other grasses. It hides at the base of the stems in the leaf litter during the day. It pupates in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cock's-foot, Annual Meadow-grass, Tufted Hair-grass, Hairy Wood-rush and Slender Tufted-sedge.