Identification

Unmistakable.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg. Larvae present March to July, feeding by night.

Larval foodplants

A variety of grasses.

Habitat

Open grasslands, rough grassy sites, also, gardens.

History

W. S. Brocklehurst had informed Gordon (1913) that he had taken the Hedge Rustic, not uncommonly, at light and sugar at Park Place, Glenluce (VC74). William Evans (1914) received two examples of the C. cespitis from Killantringan Lighthouse, Wigtownshire in August, 1914, and another in 1915.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Tynron (VC72), Colvend and Southernness (VC73).

During 1974-92 five of the seven Rothamsted stations recorded it, Gatehouse of Fleet and Bridge of Dee missing it, but there were only 35 records proving it scarce.

Of the thirty records from 1996 to 2010, most have come from Mersehead RSPB and Edingham (VC73).