Noctuidae

73.339 Dotted Rustic Rhyacia simulans (Hufnagel, 1766)

Local

Similar species: If care is taken this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species. There is a smaller than average, dark-brown form of this moth in the far north and in north-west Ireland.

Forewing: 17 to 21mm

Habitats: Lightly wooded areas, hedgerows and rough grassland. In the north on scree slopes, moorland and rough grassland.

Habits: The moth will nectar at Red Valerian, Buddleia and other flowers. It is attracted to sugar and sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. It possibly feeds on grasses and then herbaceous plants in the later instars. It accepts grasses including Couch, Knotgrass, Dandelion, docks and Bramble in captivity, but the fatality rate is high. It pupates under the soil.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Dandelion, sorrels and docks.