Dark-barred Wainscot
Common NameDark-barred Wainscot
Scientific NameChortodes pygmina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, wet meadows, reedbeds
Geographic RangeEurope, across the Palearctic region to Japan
Host PlantsMolinia caerulea, Phragmites australis, Carex spp.
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host grasses, and larvae bore internally into the stems of various grasses, pupating within the stem or at the base of the plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale straw coloration, and the two distinct dark longitudinal streaks on the forewings, often with the central streak showing a slight kink or break.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale straw-brown forewings featuring two prominent, dark brown longitudinal streaks. The hindwings are plain greyish-brown.
