2343 Common Rustic (Mesapamea secalis)

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Wingspan 27-30 mm.

Family: Noctuidae: Amphipyrinae

 

This moth has been differentiated into 3 spp , , giving Lesser Common Rustic (M. didyma) and Remm's Rustic (M. remmi) specific status.

Generally very variable, the three cannot be reliably separated without reference to their genitalia, but the very dark forms with almost white stigmata tend to be mostly didyma.

Very common throughout Britain and regularly attracts to light. Flying in July and August,

The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses, including cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea).