The Crescent
Common NameThe Crescent
Scientific NameCelaena leucostigma
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)37
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, pale yellow
HabitatFens, marshes, damp meadows, bogs, and other wetland areas
Geographic RangeTemperate Europe, parts of Asia, and North America
Host PlantsPhragmites australis, Carex, Glyceria, Typha
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem-borers in various wetland grasses and sedges, pupating in the soil. The species typically overwinters as an egg.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic pale, crescent-shaped reniform stigma on the forewing, set against a mottled brown and grey background. Often found in wetland habitats.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and greyish-brown forewings, featuring a distinctive pale, crescent-shaped mark (reniform stigma) near the center.
