Dun-bar vs Common Rustic
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dun-bar | Common Rustic |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cosmia trapezina | Mesapamea secalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 28-34 mm wingspan | 26-34 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dun-bar
A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.
Common Rustic
A highly variable common moth that forms a species complex with the Lesser Common Rustic. External appearance is unreliable for identification. Larvae feed inside grass stems.
Did You Know?
So similar to its sibling species that they were not recognized as separate species until 1983.