Photo © Mike Wall

Fenn's Wainscot

Protarchanara brevilinea

Checklist Number
73.150 [B&F: 2351]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Xyleninae
Genus:Protarchanara
Species:brevilinea
Authority:(Fenn, 1864)

A rare Red Data Book species, in reed-beds, in Norfolk and Suffolk, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is often recorded in areas where the reeds are regularly cut and is most numerous 2-3 years after cutting. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-38 mm. The colour of the forewing varies from greyish ochreous to reddish ochreous. In f. sinelinea the basal streak is absent. Larva feeds on Common Reed, over-wintering as an egg.