Autumnal Rustic
Common NameAutumnal Rustic
Scientific NameParadiarsia glareosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatMoorland, heathland, open woodlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, including British Isles, Fennoscandia, and parts of Russia
Host Plantsheather, bell heather, sallow, dock, grasses
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants. They overwinter as eggs or young larvae, with pupation occurring in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its mottled grey-brown forewings with distinct dark, often wedge-shaped stigmata and its late flight period in autumn. Coloration can be variable, ranging from pale grey to darker brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, typically mottled grey-brown with darker wedge-shaped markings, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
