Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2391 (ABH73.100) Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus, (Tauscher, 1806)

KR09471

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Old Weston
Old Weston
 Photo © Kevin Royles


General Information

This is a rather plain species which is delicately streaked with grey. There are many named forms:

  • f. nigristriata with black between veins,
  • f. bipunctata with black oval and kidney marks,
  • f. wismariensis with a long thick black streak from base.

Some forms are similar to micros Chilo phragmitella and Calamotropha paludella.

 

Pupates in plant stems.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 13-15mm.
Foodplant(s): invertebrates, Common Reed (dead stems) (Phragmites australis)
Flying: One generation, mid June-mid August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Reed-beds, fens and other areas where reed is prevalent.

Regional Information

Recorded in 24 (8.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 04 June to 20 August

Similar Species
Upton Fen, Norfolk Broads. Photo: 02-06-2019.
Upton Fen, Norfolk Broads. Photo: 02-06-2019.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Flame Wainscot Senta flammea (=Mythimna)
Hemingford Grey, 1st August 2013. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 1st August 2013. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Brown-veined Wainscot Archanara dissoluta

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Yellow, brown, pink, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5