Noctuidae

73.296 White-speck Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809)

Immigrant / Resident

Similar species: The Cosmopolitan Leucania loreyi has similar markings, but is smaller (16 to 17mm), with a less pointed wing tip and a white rather than grey hindwing.

Forewing: 18 to 21mm

Habitats: Mainly coastal grassland.

Habits: The moth visits Ivy blossom from dusk and is attracted to sugar to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Cock's-foot, Common Couch and other grasses.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Perennial Ryegrass, Wheat, Barley, Maize and Oats. In other parts of the world it is considered a pest species and is known as the Rice Armyworm, as it will feed on the cereals already mentioned, plus Rice, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Celery, Cucumber, Cabbage, Carrot and many other cultivated crops.