Davey, P., 2009: An abundant species over much of Britain, the larva feeding on the inner parts of various grass species including cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and cereal crops. In Dorset, this highly variable moth is common to abundant everywhere and seems to have no ecological preference. The national norm is a single brood in July and August. In Dorset moths have been seen as early as the end of May and as late as the middle of October, suggesting an occasional bivoltine cycle. There are three 'Common Rustics', this one, the Lesser Common Rustic2343.1, and the Remm's Rustic2343.2. There is some debate over whether the latter species is indeed a distinct species or just a hybrid of the other two. All three can only be separated with certainty via dissection.