Noctuidae

73.302 Obscure Wainscot Leucania obsoleta (Hübner, [1803])

Local

Similar species: Southern Wainscot Mythimna straminea has only a slight dusting of black dots across the forewing. The main forewing vein is darker and lacks a white spot where the outer veins join the central vein. The forewing has a hooked tip.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Reed-beds, marshes, fens, stream margins, pond and lake margins, the margins of tidal rivers and estuaries.

Habits: The moth can be found on the heads of grasses after dark. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Common Reed. The full-fed larva overwinters in a standing reed stem or hollow stem in the leaf litter which is sealed with silk. This is where it pupates in the spring.