Noctuidae

73.252 Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species: Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura as it name suggests has a straw coloured, black edged underwing, rather than a whitish underwing as in the male Hedge Rustic or grey shading to white at the edge as in the female Hedge Rustic.

Forewing: 15 to 19mm

Habitats: Rough grassland, large woodland clearings, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on the leaves of Tufted Hair-grass, Wavy Hair-grass, Mat-grass and other hard bladed grasses. When larger it feeds near the ground on the stems.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Upright Brome, Tor-grass, reed-grasses and Cock's-foot.