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Lesser Common Rustic
Mesapamea didyma (Esper, 1788)
Noctuidae: Xyleninae
2343a / 73.170
Photo © Charles Fletcher, 8 Aug 2012,  SE323733 - (gen. det)

Similar Yorkshire Species
Common Rustic
Mesapamea secalis
Small Clouded Brindle
Apamea unanimis
Forewing: 11-16mm
Flight: July - August
Foodplant:   Grasses
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4

Yorkshire Status: Probably common and widespread.

The two Common Rustic species were not split until 1984. See comments under Common Rustic. The map again just shows records of dissected moths so the real distribution will be much greater, and closer to the map of Common Rustic agg. In general Lesser Common Rustic is about half as common as Common Rustic. Like its sister species it is a grassland moth and common in most grassy habitats. The comments below from Sutton and Beaumont are interesting as they were written just after the two species were split!

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Recognised as British in February 1984, some specimens were soon found in Yorkshire by H. E. Beaumont in July of the same year (Harrison & Sterling, 1986). Although there are as yet few confirmed records it is thought likely that this species is sympatric with its congener over most, if not all of its range. Some authorities are still not convinced by the separation and refuse to distinguish the two. The name of this species has just been revised from secalella (Remm) to didyma (Esper) (Lempke, 1988).

Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 66 (33%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1978.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
06/08/2024164SE14 - Ilkley / Menston / B in W
25/07/2024163SK69 - New Rossington / Austerfield
23/07/2024164SD77 - Ingleborough
22/07/2024163SK69 - New Rossington / Austerfield
16/07/2024163SK69 - New Rossington / Austerfield
Further info: Mesapamea didyma
 
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