Arch Drab
Common NameArch Drab
Scientific NameMecyna asinalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, reddish-brown
HabitatCoastal areas, dry grasslands, heathland, scrubland
Geographic RangeWestern and Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host PlantsGenista, Cytisus, Ulex, Ononis
Flight PeriodMay to July, sometimes August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various herbaceous plants, particularly legumes, and pupate in a cocoon among the foliage or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the pale ground color with distinctive wavy reddish-brown transverse lines, its relatively small size, and its preference for dry, often coastal, habitats.
Description
A small moth with pale yellowish-brown forewings featuring two prominent, wavy, reddish-brown transverse lines and a darker subterminal band.
