Fen Wainscot - Arenostola phragmitidis

Wingspan 32 to 36 mm. A distinctively plain-looking species with creamy forewings fading to rufous at the outer edge.

Damp areas where Common Reed is present.

Flying in July and August, the adults can be attracted to light.

The caterpillars feed internally in the stems of Common Reed (Phragmites australis).

It is distributed mainly in the south and east of England, westwards to Dorset, and also locally in the north-west of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).