Imperfect Wainscot
Common NameImperfect Wainscot
Scientific NameLeucania imperfecta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, gray, white
HabitatGrassy fields, meadows, prairies, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and the Great Plains.
Host Plantsgrasses
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa or larva.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive small white dash (reniform spot) on the forewing, often outlined in darker scales, against a streaky, pale brown or grayish background. The overall somewhat washed-out appearance helps distinguish it from similar wainscot moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale brownish-ochreous to grayish-brown forewings, characterized by darker longitudinal streaks and a prominent small white dash.
