Southern Rustic
Rhyacia lucipeta
Checklist Number73.340 [B&F: 2106]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from southern Europe, appearing on the south coast of England, recorded for the first time at Pulborough, Sussex 15 July 1968, with no further records to date. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 56-64 mm. The main confusion species are Northern Rustic Standfussiana lucernea which is smaller and darker, with no greenish tinge on forewing, and Dotted Rustic R. simulans which lacks pale-ringed stigmata. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants; no evidence of breeding in the UK.
