73.142 BF2379 - Small Rufous - Noctuidae - Coenobia rufa

73.142 BF2379 - Noctuidae - Xyleninae - Coenobia rufa - Small Rufous

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> . >> Noctuidae

ID Difficulty: green

- easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: A small short and rounded-winged moth. The forewing has a narrow, central defused streak running through an otherwise pinkish, reddish-brown straw coloured ground colour. Lightly dusted with light or dark grey. There are further streaks branching off the main streak and the fringes are also dark greyish. The wings have a silky appearance. Hind wing is a soft smoky grey.

Distribution: (First record: 1866 ) - (Last record: 03/08/2024 at Stonebroom ) - From reports during 2024, the moth seems to be well established in the south of the county. Prior to this specimen that I trapped on July 28th 2004 at Toyota Site, Derby, there were only two previous records, 1866 & 1885. It was reported again in 2006 and a further three records in 2007. It seems to be a classic “Dusking” moth, flying an hour or so before nightfall during July and August. Most recent records come from the south of the county, with scattered single reports from areas further north.

Flight Period: July / August / - On the wing July – August.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - occasionally attracted to light

*** Last updated on 11 March 2025 by RP ***

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Wingspan: 22-25mm
Forewing: 10-12mm

Food Plant: Rush (Juncus sp.).

Last Recorded Date: 03/08/2024

Last Recorded Year: July 2024

First Recorded Year: 1866

Last Recorded By - Jonathan Bradley

Last Recorded General Area - Stonebroom