Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2343a (ABH73.170) Lesser Common Rustic Mesapamea didyma, (Esper, 1788)

KR09790

East Chevington, Northumberland. Gen. det.
East Chevington, Northumberland. Gen. det.
 Photo © Ian Fisher
East Chevington, Northumberland. Gen. det.
 Photo © Ian Fisher
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Seghill, Northumberland 15-07-14
Seghill, Northumberland 15-07-14
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Newton Pool, Northumberland 21-08-15
Newton Pool, Northumberland 21-08-15
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Almost identical in appearance to Common Rustic and can only be reliably separated by examination of the genitalia.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 11-16mm.
Foodplant(s): Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), grasses
Flying: One generation, July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland and other grassy areas.

Regional Information

Recorded in 29 (10.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 25 June to 23 August

Similar Species
Holme Fen
Holme Fen
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Suspected Parastichtis suspecta
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Small Clouded Brindle Apamea unanimis
ID confirmed by dissection, Great Staughton
ID confirmed by dissection, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, pink, purple, brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5