Unarmed Wainscot
Common NameUnarmed Wainscot
Scientific NameMythimna unipuncta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, light brown, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, agricultural fields, coastal areas
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America), a strong migrant
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Dactylis, Triticum, Zea mays
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various grasses and cereals. They pupate in the soil, and the species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the pale, straw-yellow forewings with a distinctive single black dot (stigma) near the center. The overall slender appearance and lack of strong markings distinguish it from similar wainscot species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with slender, straw-colored forewings marked with scattered dark speckles and a prominent, small black discal spot. The hindwings are paler.
