UKMoths Bactra lancealana - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
49.194 BF1111
Bactra lancealana
(Hübner, [1799])
Wingspan 11-20 mm.
Quite a variable species, with some individuals being almost unicolorous, others with a pale streak along the fore edge of the darker brown wing, and some with obvious darker patches on a mottled forewing.
It is also very variable in size and easily confused with other Bactra species.
Rather common throughout Britain, it occupies marshes and heaths, and the larvae feed on various rushes including Juncus and Scirpus.
The adults are readily attracted to light and are on the wing in two generations between July and October.
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