Large Wainscot Moth
Common NameLarge Wainscot Moth
Scientific NameRhizedra lutosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale brown, straw
HabitatReed beds, fens, marshes, wetlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsPhragmites australis
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore internally into the rhizomes and stems of common reed (Phragmites australis). Pupation occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively large size for a wainscot moth, robust build, and uniformly pale, straw-colored forewings with subtle venation markings, often found in reed-dominated wetlands.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with plain, straw-colored to pale brown forewings, often showing faint darker streaks along the veins and a few small black dots. The hindwings are typically paler.
