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Common Rustic
Mesapamea secalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Noctuidae: Xyleninae
2343 / 73.169
Photo © Garry Barlow,  Tidbury Green, West Midlands

Similar West Midlands Species
Lesser Common Rustic
Mesapamea didyma
Small Clouded Brindle
Apamea unanimis
Forewing: 12-16mm
Flight: July - August
Foodplant:   Grasses
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4

An extremely common resident. It's true distribution is not known for certain because of the similarity to Lesser Common Rustic and the need to dissect them. This map shows dissected individuals.

Found in a wide range of grassy habitats.

Overwinters as a larva and comes to light, sometimes in large numbers.

Note Genitalia examination essential.

Verification Grade Comment: Genitalia examination required.

Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 89 (64%) of 140 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1898.
Last Recorded in 2023.
(Data up to end 2023)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2023)
Date#VC10k Area
14/09/2023140SJ71 - Newport
11/09/2023240SO58 - Corve Dale/Brown Clee Hill
09/09/2023136SO54 - NE Hereford & Marden
07/09/2023140SO58 - Corve Dale/Brown Clee Hill
05/09/2023540SJ61 - Wellington/The Weald Moors
Further info: Mesapamea secalis
 
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Lepiforum.de West Midlands Moths (Full)
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