Noctuidae

73.298 Clay Mythimna ferrago (Fabricius, 1787)

Common

Similar species: White-point Mythimna albipuncta has a white, more or less round spot on the kidney mark and the area between the cross-lines is usually darker than the rest of the wing giving it a more barred effect.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Grasslands, downland, coastal cliffs, field margins, open woodland rides and clearings, marshland and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Cock's-foot, Meadow-grasses, Wavy Hair-grass and other grasses. In captivity it accepts Dandelion, chickweeds, plantains and other herbaceous plants. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Upright Brome, Sheep's-fescue, Tor-grass and Wood Small-reed.