Shoulder-striped Wainscot
Common NameShoulder-striped Wainscot
Scientific NameMythimna comma
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatGrasslands, fens, marshes, damp meadows, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Dactylis, Agrostis
Flight PeriodMay to July, and August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green or brown with pale stripes, feeding on various grasses at night. They typically overwinter as pupae in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive dark brown 'shoulder stripe' along the leading edge of the forewing and a central dark streak, set against a pale brown background.
Description
A medium-sized moth with light brown to tan forewings featuring a prominent dark brown streak along the costa and a central longitudinal stripe, giving it a 'shoulder-striped' appearance.
