Lesser Common Rustic
Mesapamea didyma
This record describes Mesapamea didyma (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22 to 30 mm. Almost identical in appearance to Common Rustic, the two species (and M. remmi, Remm's Rustic) can only be reliably separated by examination of the genitalia. The adults fly in a single generation in July and August. The larvae feed on various grasses, including Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata). The species has been found to be fairly common and widespread throughout much of the British Isles, although information about its true distribution is still developing. 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
- Mesapamea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in a single generation in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various grasses, including Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata).
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has been found to be fairly common and widespread throughout much of the British Isles, although information about its true distribution is still developing. 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 didyma. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Common Rustic
What is Lesser Common Rustic?
Lesser Common Rustic (Mesapamea didyma) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser Common Rustic found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Lesser Common Rustic active?
Lesser Common Rustic: seasonal activity - The adults fly in a single generation in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Common Rustic?
The larvae feed on various grasses, including Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata).