Ingrailed Clay
Common NameIngrailed Clay
Scientific NameDiarsia mendica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, grey, cream
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, dock, plantain, dandelion, willow, birch
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants and shrubs, overwintering as larvae before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown/reddish-brown forewings, distinct pale-outlined stigmata, and the wavy or scalloped postmedian line. Coloration can be variable.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and reddish-brown forewings, often featuring distinct kidney-shaped and circular stigmata, and a characteristic wavy postmedian line.
