Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Common.

Identification

Usually distinctive.

Recording method

Can be disturbed by tapped conifer leaves.  Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae  late June to August. Pupates among fallen conifer needles or underground.

Larval foodplants

Scots Pine and Norway Spruce.

Habitat

Mainly conifer plantations but anywhere with suitable conifers.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Dalskairth by Lennon who stated that it was ‘not common’, in 1911 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who had only a single specimen taken ‘while it was at rest on a spruce fir branch’, and in 1945 for VC72 at Tynron by Duncan.

The first record of this melanic form nigrofulvata Collins was found in late June 1988 by Pelham-Clinton at Corsemalzie (VC74).