Striped Lychnis
Common NameStriped Lychnis
Scientific NameHadena compta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatGardens, meadows, waste ground, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host PlantsSilene dioica, Silene latifolia, Silene vulgaris, Dianthus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the seeds and flowers of various Silene and Dianthus species, pupating in the soil. The species typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white costal streak and the broad, often broken, white streak running through the median area of the forewing, usually interrupted by a dark reniform stigma.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings featuring prominent white or pale cream longitudinal stripes contrasting with dark brown or blackish markings. The hindwings are a uniform greyish-brown.
