Marsh Dagger
Common NameMarsh Dagger
Scientific NameMythimna pallens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale yellow, white, brown
HabitatWetlands, marshes, damp meadows, grasslands, fens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantscommon reed, couch-grass, fescues, various marsh grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green or brownish, feeding nocturnally on grasses. They typically overwinter as pupae in cocoons underground, or sometimes as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the very pale, almost uniform straw-yellow forewings with clearly defined darker veins, and pure white hindwings. It can be distinguished from similar *Mythimna* species by its generally paler and less marked appearance.
Description
A slender-bodied moth with pale straw-yellow to whitish forewings featuring distinct darker brown longitudinal veins. Its hindwings are pure white, and the head and thorax are notably furry.
