73.134 BF2375 - Large Wainscot - Noctuidae - Rhizedra lutosa

73.134 BF2375 - Noctuidae - Xyleninae - Rhizedra lutosa - Large Wainscot

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce - Red-listed

Taxonomy: Macro >> Noctuidae

ID Difficulty: green

- easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: A species that varies in size. The large forewing is pointed or slightly hooked and is a light greyish-straw or reddish-straw. It is heavily dusted and streaked with black. Sometimes a hint of a cross-line formed of nondescript dots or spots. Fairly diagnostic due to the flight period.

Distribution: A nationally vulnerable species and a resident that is uncommon and locally distributed in Derbyshire. A reed-bed species and found where its food plant, Common Reed occurs. Prefers drier areas of reed beds where periodic drying out or changes in water levels produce stunted growth. Most numerous in the Trent Valley and Coal Measure areas of the county.

Flight Period: September / October / - On the wing September – October.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

Wingspan: 42-50mm
Forewing: 16-23mm

Food Plant: Common Reed (Phragmites australis).

No Last Date Information Recorded

Last Recorded By: Not Recorded

Last Recorded General Area: Not Recorded

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©