Saltern Ear
Common NameSaltern Ear
Scientific NameMythimna obsoleta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, orange
HabitatSaltmarshes, fens, reedbeds, damp grasslands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPhragmites australis
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with pale stripes and feed internally within the stems of reeds, primarily Common Reed (*Phragmites australis*). They typically overwinter as pupae or larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale, streaky forewings and the two prominent, often yellowish-orange, kidney-shaped and circular stigmata, which are usually more distinct than in closely related *Mythimna* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale ochreous-brown forewings, featuring a somewhat streaky pattern and two distinct, yellowish-orange spots (stigmata) on each forewing.
