Common Rustic
Mesapamea secalis
This record describes Mesapamea secalis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-30 mm. This is one of three very similar species and expert examination is required to identify the species. Various habitats especially grassy areas. July and August. Regularly come to light. The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses, including Cock's-foot and Tall Fescue The species is very common throughout Britain and regularly comes to light. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. As an aggregate group these Rustics are common in our area but there are few confirmed records for individual species. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant, but genitalia examination needed for secure identification) No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Mesapamea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats especially grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
July and August. Regularly come to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses, including Cock's-foot and Tall Fescue
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is very common throughout Britain and regularly comes to light. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Mesapamea secalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Rustic (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Rustic
What is Common Rustic?
Common Rustic (Mesapamea secalis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Common Rustic found?
Habitat: Various habitats especially grassy areas.
When is Common Rustic active?
Common Rustic: seasonal activity - July and August. Regularly come to light..
What is the life cycle of a Common Rustic?
The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses, including Cock's-foot and Tall Fescue