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Small Rufous
Coenobia rufa (Haworth, 1809)
Noctuidae: Xyleninae
2379 / 73.142
Photo © Julian Francis

Similar Dorset Species
Small Wainscot
Denticucullus pygmina
Small Dotted Buff
Photedes minima
Forewing: 10-12mm
Flight: July - August
Foodplant:   Rushes
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2

Davey, P., 2009: A local wetland species in southern Britain, the larva feeding in the inner stems of jointed rush (Juncus articulatus), sharp-flowered rush (Juncus acutiflorus) and soft rush (Juncus effusus). In Dorset, the moth is common only very locally in marshy fields, flushed wet heaths, wet woodland rides and by ponds and lakes wherever its foodplants abound.

The species tends not to stray beyond the confines of its wetland habitat, but coastal records suggest occasional immigration, and were particularly prevalent during the heatwave of August 2003 that coincided with massive northward movements of wetland species from mainland Europe.

Recorded in 30 (75%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1904.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
16/09/201919SY99 - Lytchett Matravers
05/09/201919SY98 - Wareham
27/08/201989SY98 - Wareham
27/08/201949SY98 - Wareham
24/08/201919SY49 - Bridport
Further info: Coenobia rufa
 
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