Large wainscot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Large wainscot |
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Rhizedra
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R. lutosa
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| Rhizedra lutosa (Hübner, 1803)
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The Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa), also called the Isle of Wight wainscot, is a type of moth. It belongs to the Noctuidae family, which includes many different kinds of moths. This moth is known for its pale, straw-like colors.
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The Large Wainscot Moth
What Does It Look Like?
The Large Wainscot moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan is usually between 42 and 50 millimeters (about 1.6 to 2 inches). The front wings are about 16 to 23 millimeters long.
The moth's front wings are often a dull white color. They might have tiny blackish specks, making them look a bit dusty. Sometimes, these wings can have a slight reddish tint. You might also see a row of small, dark dots near the outer edge of the wings.
The back wings are usually whitish with a grey wash. They can also have a series of dark spots near their outer edge.
Where Does It Live?
This moth is originally from a large area called the Palearctic realm. This includes places from Ireland all the way to Japan, covering parts of Russia like the Russian Far East and Siberia.
Recently, the Large Wainscot moth has also been found in eastern North America. It is slowly spreading in these new areas.
Life Cycle and Food
The Large Wainscot moth flies during the warmer months. You can usually see them from July to November, depending on where they live.
The young form of the moth is called a larva, or caterpillar. These caterpillars are a bone-like color, sometimes with a pinkish tint. Their head is light brown.
Unlike many caterpillars that eat leaves above ground, the Large Wainscot caterpillars live underground. They feed on the roots of Phragmites species, which are types of reeds.
Images for kids
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Figs 5, 5a larvae after final moult in lower parts of stems of Arundo phragmites
