Photo © Mike Wall

Maize Wainscot

Sesamia nonagrioides

Checklist Number
73.177 [B&F: 2379a]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Xyleninae
Genus:Sesamia
Species:nonagrioides
Authority:(Lefebvre, 1827)

Also known as the Mediterranean corn borer, Pink stalk borer or West African pink borer, found in Spain, southern France, Italy and on the Balkan Peninsula, down to western Africa. The only record to date occurred on the Isles of Scilly (VC1) on 02/10/2011 during a period of migration activity.
Wingspan 30-40 mm. The forewings are grey-yellowish, marked with a marginal band and with rounded spots, with white hindwing. There is a variable number of generations per year, ranging from two in southern France to up to four in Morocco.
One of the most damaging pests of maize in the Mediterranean region, with the larvae tunnelling the maize stem during the whole larval stage. The larvae are yellowish to brownish with a rust-coloured back and reach a length of 30-40 mm when full-grown.