Is this a lyme grass moth?

[gecko]

Hi,

Apologies again for the RUBBISH photo, but it was 4am and (ok, no excuses). I think this may be a lyme grass moth, but am not 100% sure... Attracted to light on sand dune in north-east England. I didn't measure the moth but about 25mm, perhaps.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Does this text from UKMoths help?

The Lyme Grass is a local and scarce species, restricted to coastal sandhill habitats on the East Coast, from Suffolk northwards into eastern Scotland, as well as one locality on the south coast, in East Sussex.

The moth's vernacular name derives from the foodplant, lyme-grass (Elymus arenarius), in which the larvae feed inside the stems, usually below the surface of the sand.

Cheers,

Adam

[gecko]

Thanks for the info. I know that lyme grass moth has been recorded in the area, I just wanted a second or third opinion before I put this down as that species.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Must admit it does look like one.

Cheers,

Adam

[naturegirl]

Lucky boy!!!!!!!

Naturegirl