Southern Wainscot
Common NameSouthern Wainscot
Scientific NameLeucania dia
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale brown, straw, dark brown
HabitatGrassy areas, meadows, wetlands, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodMarch to June, August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and pupate in the soil. The species typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the pale straw-colored forewings with a strong, dark central longitudinal streak and several finer dark lines. The overall streaked pattern and plainer hindwings are key features for identification.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale straw to light brown forewings, characterized by a prominent dark central streak and fainter longitudinal lines, giving it a distinctly streaked appearance. The hindwings are generally plainer and greyish.
