Noctuidae

73.299 Shore Wainscot Mythimna litoralis (Curtis, 1827)

Notable B

Similar species: The brown wing with white branched streak (on the veins) is enough to identify this species.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Coastal sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth can be found on Marram heads after dark. It comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Marram. In captivity it will accept Annual Meadow-grass, Mat-grass and Tufted Hair-grass. It hides in the sand during the day, which is also where it pupates.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Lyme-grass.