Phragmites Wainscot
Common NamePhragmites Wainscot
Scientific NameArenostola phragmitidis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorspale brown, tan, dark brown, white
HabitatReedbeds, fens, marshes, wet grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Japan)
Host PlantsPhragmites australis (Common Reed)
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on common reed. Larvae are internal stem-borers, feeding within the stems of *Phragmites australis* from autumn through spring, with pupation occurring inside the stem.
Identification TipsKey features include its pale brown coloration, narrow wings, and the characteristic dark longitudinal streaks combined with a prominent pale streak along the cubital vein. Its strong association with reedbed habitats is also a significant clue.
Description
A slender moth with long, narrow, pale brown to tan forewings. It exhibits prominent dark longitudinal streaks and a distinctive pale streak along the cubital vein, creating a cryptic, streaked appearance.
