73.252 (2177) Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Status
Resident. Local.
UK BAP Priority Species.
Flight period
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) and 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).
Life cycle
One generation. Overwinters as an egg. Larvae present March to July, feeding by night.
Larval foodplants
A variety of grasses.
Identification
Unmistakeable.
Habitat
Open grasslands, rough grassy sites, also, gardens. |  Distribution map displays records from the National Biodiversity Network (See terms and conditions). The following datasets are included:
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