Spotted Straw Moth
Common NameSpotted Straw Moth
Scientific NameRivula sericealis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyRivulinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange-brown, dark brown
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, woodland edges, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, dandelion
Flight PeriodMay to October (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green and feed on various grasses and sedges, overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among the host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include the straw-colored forewings with two distinct dark spots and a slightly pointed forewing apex. It is often attracted to light.
Description
A small, delicate moth with straw-yellow to orange-brown forewings, each marked with two prominent dark brown spots and a faint darker subterminal line. The hindwings are paler.
