Phragmataecia castaneae
Reed Leopard
Reed Leopard Phragmataecia castaneae
Adult • Wicken Fen, Cambs. • ©

Phragmataecia castaneae
Reed Leopard

50.003 BF160

(Hübner, 1790)

Wingspan 27-50 mm.

This is a local and scarce species in Britain, being confined to parts of East Anglia, and a single locality in Dorset.

As the English name suggests, it inhabits reed-beds, where the larva feeds internally in the stems of common reed (Phragmites australis).

The adults, which fly in June and July, have distinctively long abdomens, which project markedly beyond the wingtips at rest.

Flight period

Back to top