73.302 BF2204 – Obscure Wainscot – Noctuidae – Mythimna obsoleta
Obscure Wainscot – Noctuidae – Hadeninae – Mythimna obsoleta – colour code •
STATUS – First recorded in Derbyshire at Drakelow Reserve, near Burton-on-Trent on 7th June 2008, and recorded from their frequently since. Favours wetland with expanse of phragmites reed beds. Further trapping in areas of common reed may discover other colonies. A new site for the species was at Newall, discovered in 2018. Latest records are of 7 individuals in 2023, including a rather odd ball one from Hathersage on 24th June, which could have referred to a migrant.
ID POINTERS – Dark brown markings help to highlight the white veins running through the central area of the forewing. There is a small white central spot at the end of one of the major veins and this is less obvious in pale specimens. The early flying period helps to identify this moth from other Wainscots.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing May – July
IMAGES – Drakelow, Derbyshire
Obscure Wainscot
