Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2198 (ABH73.293) Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura, (Hübner, [1808])

KR10006

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hillesden, Bucks
Hillesden, Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hillesden, Bucks
Hillesden, Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The smoky-grey hindwing of this species is diagnostic.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 14-18mm.
Foodplant(s): Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), grasses
Flying: One generation, late June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, scrub, fens, heathland, open woodland and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 155 (57.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 07 May to 19 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 03 June to 12 July

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Southern Wainscot Mythimna straminea
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Obscure Wainscot Leucania obsoleta (=Mythimna)
Great Staughton, June 2012
Great Staughton, June 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Shoulder-striped Wainscot Leucania comma (=Mythimna)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, yellow, white, orange, black, pink
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5