Hypocoena basistriga is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae that was first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1933.

This species of moth is found to frequent mesic areas including the edges of aspen bluffs and hayfields, old fields, meadows, etc.

The combination of small size, robust build, red-brown color and contrasting white cubital vein will usually identify this moth.

It bores in monocots like sedges (Cyperaceae);[4] perennial plants that resemble grasses, grow in shallow water or moist soils, and can reach 4 feet in height.

[5] This species has been collected in late summer and early fall across its range, most commonly during August and September.