Morley's Final Catalogue: Ipswich: ''Timothy Last used to get numbers'' (Harwood; cf. Entom. 1867, 189). A few at Hemley in 1901 and Waldringfield in 1929 (Wlr). Dunwich (Btn); Lowestoft, and a good series at Needham, in 1903 (EMM. 1904, p.80). Larvae common at Ampton in 1909 (Nurse, Entom. 220). Beccles in Augusts of 1930 and 1932 (Mr); Fritton at light and on reeds in Octobers of 1932 and 1934 (Mly).

Recent Suffolk Status: Common.

Life history: Single-brooded. Regularly noted at light, sometimes in large numbers at reedbed sites. Has been also noted flying over reedbeds at dusk in the county. Larvae have been found feeding on reeds at night.
Adults have been seen as late as October in Suffolk.

Identification: Southern wainscot is most similar to Smoky wainscot. The best feature to separate the two is the very obvious crest of scales across the front of the thorax on Southern wainscot, which is lacking on Smoky. Southern wainscot also has a slightly more pointed forewing. Common wainscot lacks the patches of darker scales.

Habitat: Reedbeds, fens, pond and lake margins with reed.

Recorded in 47 (81%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1901. Last Recorded in 2026. Additional Stats

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