Noctuidae

73.304 Cosmopolitan Leucania loreyi (Duponchel, 1827)

Immigrant

Similar species: White-speck Mythimna unipuncta is larger (18 to 21mm), with a more pointed wing tip and grey rather than white hindwings.

Forewing: 16 to 17mm

Habitats: Coastal grassland.

Habits: The moth visits flowers after dark including Ivy blossom. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: Grasses. In captivity Cock's-foot and other broad-bladed grasses.

In southern Europe and warmer countries it can be a pest as it will eat many cultivated crops including Rice, Maize, Saccharum, Sugar Cane, Sorghum, Wheat, Onion and Giant Reed-grass (Spanish Cane).