The wingspan of Pyrausta despicata can reach 14–19 mm.[1][2] The wings are brown or greyish, with quite variable pale brown markings. The forewings are brownish grey
or brown, sometimes blackish-sprinkled; first line obscurely pale or obsolete; second in pale greyish-ochreous, often obsolete except on costa, in male whitish-ochreous, dilated on
costa; small orbicular and oval discal spot rather darker, in female sometimes separated by a pale spot; sometimes a pale subterminal streak. Hindwings in male grey in female blackish; sometimes a darker discal dot; a curved postmedian fascia and subterminal streak in male obscurely ochreous-whitish, in female whitish-ochreous. The larva is dull brownish-black; dorsal line double, grey; spiracular dull ochreous; spots black, grey circled; head and plate of 2 brown, darker-freckled [3]
Figs. 2, 2a larvae in various stages of growth 2b enlargement of two segments
The moth flies from May to September depending on the location, in two generations.[1] It is active in the sunshine and at dusk.[4] The larvae feed on Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major.[1]
Distribution
Pyrausta despicata is present in most of Europe.[5]
Habitat
This moth prefers chalky and limestone habitats.[1]
^Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description
