Species Statement

Ashworth's rustic occurs on limestone and slate grasslands in north Wales, primarily, but not exclusively, on south facing slopes. The larva is polyphagous on plants such as common rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium, wild thyme Thymus praecox, sheep`s sorrel Rumex acetosella, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, salad burnet Poterium sanguisorba, bell heather Erica cinerea, golden rod Solidago virgaurea, few-leaved or wall hawkweed Hieracium murorum, lady`s bedstraw Galium verum, creeping willow Salix repens, foxglove Digitalis purpurea and heather Calluna vulgaris. Small isolated patches of foodplant growing on steep, rocky ground and scree are favoured. The larvae bask and feed intermittently by day but mostly at night. The species overwinters as a small larva. The pupa is formed in a flimsy cocoon under moss or just below ground. The adults occur during mid June to August and are nocturnal, hiding by day among loose rocks and vegetation and occasionally taking flight in hot weather if disturbed.

Ashworth's rustic is restricted to north-west Wales, but here it is widespread over large areas of suitable habitat, occasionally in large numbers. Although under-recorded, it is known to occur over much of its historical range. The species occurs throughout Europe, from southern Scandinavia to Turkey, Transcaucasia and the Caucasus.

In Great Britain Ashworth's rustic is classified as Nationally Scarce.

Over-grazing by sheep may be adversely affecting populations.

The moth occurs on several nature reserves and SSSIs.

No local implementation.

Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume VI: Terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats (October 1999, Tranche 2, Vol VI, p115)