Dotted Rustic
Common NameDotted Rustic
Scientific NameCaradrina blanda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground, various open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, dock, chickweed
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae overwinter, feeding from autumn to spring on low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in an underground cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the mottled grey-brown forewings, the prominent pale subterminal line, and the characteristic row of black dots along the termen.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with cryptic greyish-brown forewings heavily mottled with darker markings, featuring a distinctive pale subterminal line and a row of black dots near the outer margin.
