Status
Morley's Final Catalogue: This marsh insect still continues both local and very rare, though of broader range than was known in 1890, when only Captain Chawner had taken the imagines at Lowestoft, where as well as Fritton Mr. W. C. Boyd of Cheshunt had discovered the yellowish pubescent larvae that feed openly on reeds. Later a few moths were captured at Needham by Lingwood (EMM. 1904, p.80); Mr. E. J. G. Sparke obtained pupae in reeds at Tuddenham Fen (Norgate); and so recently as 1934 larvae were found at Brandon (Trans. ii, 292).
Recent Suffolk Status: Local, mainly along the coast with a few locations in the Brecks and the Waveney valley. Much more commonly recorded as an adult at light traps in modern times.
Life history: Double-brooded. The colourful larvae have been found feeding openly on reeds by day and night in the county.
Identification: Similar to some of the larger wainscot species but Reed dagger has a pure white hindwing.
Habitat: Reedbeds, fens, river valleys.Recorded in 30 (52%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1934.
Last Recorded in 2025.
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