Common Rustic (Mesapamea secalis, (Linnaeus, 1758))

General Information
This is a very variable species. It is one of three very similar species and is not easily discernible from the Lesser Common Rustic and the Remm's Rustic.

Pupates in loose soil.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 12-16mm.
Foodplant(s): Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), grasses, cereal crops
Flying: One generation, July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Fens, grassland, heathland, open woodland, scrub and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 113 (41.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 01 June to 22 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 11 April to 11 April

Similar Species