Nomophila noctuella, the rush veneer, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae.
This species has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution (Europe, North Africa, Central Asia, Pakistan, North America).[1] [2] In Europe, it is a migratory species, travelling from southern Europe and North Africa to Northern Europe.
The wingspan is 26–32 mm. Forewings are very elongated and narrow.[3] The basic color of the forewings is usually brown, with darker wide eight-shaped and reniform markings in the discal and postdiscal areas.[4] Some dark brown spots are present close to the outer edge and to the apex. The hindwings are whitish with brown veins.[1]
The mature larvae are gray green and spotted. They can reach a length of 15-.[5]
These moths fly from May to September depending on the location.[3] They are attracted to light,[6] and in Europe they are migratory.[4] There are two to four generations per year.[5]
The larvae feed on Trifolium,[3] clover, Medicago, Polygonum aviculare,[6] wheat,[4] Vaccinium and various other grasses.[5] They pupate in a cocoon amongst the leaves of the host plants or on a stone. The pupa hibernates.[6]