Hantsmoths

Common on calcareous grassland, sand-dunes, farmland and open woodland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-40 mm. Superficially resembles Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis and its congeners, but postmedian fascia highly dentate (sinuate in Mesapamea), with the main confusion species either extremely rare (Dumeril's Rustic L. dumerilii) or with a limited coastal distribution (Sandhill Rustic L. nickerlii). Larva feeds on roots and lower stems of various grasses, including Common Couch, Red Fescue, Sheep's-fescue, Tall Fescue and some cereal crops.