Taken at Holkham NNR, Norfolk on October 15th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-500, f/10, 1/640th, ISO320, 300mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.134)

Wing span: 32 - 46mm

This moth is very variable in size. The fore-wing is pointed or slightly hooked, usually light greyish straw or reddish straw in colour. It has an outer cross-line of fine dark dots.

It is fairly well distributed in suitable habitat in England and Wales. It is local in Scotland and Ireland.

Its habitats are reed-beds and reedy ditches, breeding in the drier parts and margins, not where there is permanent standing water.

There is one generation from August to October or early November. It over-winters as an egg.

Larvae feed on the roots and stems of Common Reed.

Females usually come to light, sometimes far from breeding sites. It feeds at flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 15th October

Sightings