The Clay Mythimna ferrago
The Clay Mythimna ferrago
Adult, underside • East Ross, Scotland • © Nigel Richards

73.298 BF2193

The Clay Mythimna ferrago

(Fabricius, 1787)


Wingspan 35-40 mm.

Relatively common over most of Britain, this moth often has a pinkish tinge to the forewings.

It occupies a range of habitats, though preferring more wooded areas, and flies during July and August.

The male has a distinctive black triangle, or chevron on the underside of the abdomen.

The caterpillars feed chiefly on various grasses, but also on low plants such as dandelion (Taraxacum) and chickweed (Stellaria).