Large Wainscot - Rhizedra lutosa

Wingspan 42 to 50 mm. This is a larger moth than the similar Common Wainscot and often has a more sooty appearance with numerous tiny black dust like spots. Ranges in ground colour from pale beige to a more pinky shade.

Frequents reed-beds and riversides.

The adults are readily attracted to light and are on the wing from August to October.

The larvae feed in the bases of stems and the roots of common reed (Phragmites australis).

This is a fairly common species in much of England, especially in the south and east. Further north and west it becomes more local, ranging into southern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).