Noctuidae

73.170 Lesser Common Rustic Mesapamea didyma (Esper, 1778)

Common

Similar species: Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis has overlapping forms. Check genitalia.

Forewing: 11 to 16mm

Habitats: Most inland and coastal grassland and gardens.

Habits: The moth nectars at Common Ragwort and other flowers. It also comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stems of Cock's-foot, Tufted Hair-grass, fescues, cereals such as Wheat and other grasses. It changes stems as it grows. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Common Couch, Rye-grass, Tall Fescue, Timothy and Lyme Grass.