Common rustic moth

<em>Mesapamea secalis</em>, the common rustic moth, is a noctuid moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Hadeninae. It is widely distributed across Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and has also been recorded in the United States. Adults are medium-sized moths with variable brownish-grey forewings displaying a typical noctuid pattern of pale spots and darker markings that provide effective camouflage against bark and dry grass. The species is associated with grassy habitats and is a common visitor to light traps during its summer flight period, typically from July to August. Larvae are concealed feeders, typically boring into the stems and feeding on the roots and lower stems of various grass species, including economically important cereals such as rye, wheat, and oats, making this species occasionally significant in agricultural contexts. The species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting widespread populations across its European range. It favors open grassland habitats, meadows, field margins, heathland, and lightly managed agricultural land. <em>Mesapamea secalis</em> is closely related to <em>Mesapamea didyma</em> and the two species can be challenging to separate without examination of genitalia. Biological traits such as average lifespan and precise body measurements remain poorly documented in standardized ecological databases.