Hedge Rustic
Tholera cespitis
This record describes Tholera cespitis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Despite its English name, this is a species of open grassland. It flies in August and September, and can be attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on various grasses, including mat-grass (Nodus stricta) and hair-grass (Deschampsia spp.). Locally common throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Tholera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Despite its English name, this is a species of open grassland.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in August and September, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on various grasses, including mat-grass (Nodus stricta) and hair-grass (Deschampsia spp.).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally common throughout most of Britain. 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 Tholera cespitis. 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 Hedge Rustic (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hedge Rustic
What is Hedge Rustic?
Hedge Rustic (Tholera cespitis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Hedge Rustic found?
Habitat: Despite its English name, this is a species of open grassland.
When is Hedge Rustic active?
Hedge Rustic: seasonal activity - It flies in August and September, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Hedge Rustic?
The caterpillars feed on various grasses, including mat-grass (Nodus stricta) and hair-grass (Deschampsia spp.).