Common Wainscot
Common NameCommon Wainscot
Scientific NameMythimna pallens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspale yellow, light brown
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses, cocksfoot, fescue, reed canary grass
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brownish and feed on various grasses. They pupate in an earthen cocoon just below the soil surface.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its plain, straw-coloured forewings with very few markings, usually only the faint venation. It can be distinguished from similar wainscot species by subtle differences in wing shape and markings, often requiring close inspection.
Description
A slender moth characterized by its uniformly pale yellowish-brown forewings, often displaying faint longitudinal lines along the veins, and paler hindwings.
