Mesapamea didyma, Lesser Common Rustic

Common Name: Lesser Common Rustic

Formerly a single species (the Common Rustic, Mesapamea secalis), this has now been split into a complex of three, 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 dark forms with almost white stigmata (as example above) tend to be mostly M.didyma.

Flying in July and August, the species is very common throughout Britain and regularly comes to light. The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses, including cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea).

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