Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 25th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.291)

Wing span: 28 - 34mm

This species is similar to other wainscots, but is generally paler and a brighter straw colour. The dark central streak is weak or absent.

It can be found throughout the British Isles.

Habitats are a wide range of dry and damp grasslands.

There are two overlapping generations in southern Britain, from May to October. Further north there is one generation, in July and August. It over-winters as a small larva.

Larvae feed on grasses, including Tufted Hair-grass, Annual Meadow-grass, Common Couch and Cock's-foot.

It comes to light, often in large numbers.

Earliest UK sighting: 19th May ; Latest UK sighting: 6th October

Sightings