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Common Rustic
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Formerly a single species, this has now been split into a
complex of three, giving Lesser Common Rustic (M. didyma) and Remm's Rustic (M.
remmi) specific status.
Generally very variable, the three cannot be reliably
separated without reference to their genitalia, but the very dark forms with
almost white stigmata tend to be mostly didyma.
Flying in July and August, the species is very common
throughout Britain and regularly comes to light.
The larvae feed inside the stems of various grasses,
including cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and tall fescue (Festuca
arundinacea).
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Setaceous Hebrew Character
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A distinctive species, which is widely distributed
throughout Britain, sometimes commonly. The population is sometimes reinforced
by immigration in the autumn.
In the southern half of its range, there are two broods,
flying in small numbers in May and June, but far more commonly in August and
September. In the north there is just one generation, flying in July and
August.
The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, but
especially nettle (Urtica).
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Flame Shoulder
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Quite a common species throughout Britain, occupying
woodland fringes, gardens and meadowland.
There are two generations, flying in May and June and again
in August and September.
Its only likely confusion species in Britain is Radford's
Flame Shoulder (O. leucogaster), which is a very rare migrant to the south
coast.
The nocturnal caterpillars live on low plants such as dock
(Rumex) and plantain (Plantago).
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Six-striped Rustic
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Occupying mainly damp woodlands and marshy habitats, this
moth is fairly commonly distributed over the greater part of the British Isles.
The single generation flies in July and August, when the
adults are attracted to both sugar and light.
The larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants.
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Flounced Rustic
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A common species in England and Wales, but more local in
Scotland and Ireland, occupying dry, grassy habitats.
There is one generation, flying in August and September,
when the species comes to light.
The larvae feed underground in the bases of grass stems and
amongst the roots.
All the best Steve