Identification

Silky white sheen to forewings, with the black and white ringed legs is diagnostic. Due to its rarity status a specimen or quality photo is required for record acceptance.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva, during late August to late June, with pupation taking place in a hairy cocoon.

Larval foodplants

Larval foodplants are poplars, aspen, sallow and willows.

Habitat

Hedgerows, scrub and woodland parks in river valleys.

History 

It was not recorded in MOGBI even though Cunningham (1949-50) quoted our first record which F. W. Smith had found in the Southwick area (VC73) in August 1948 and recorded in the Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine, vol. 85. p. 41.

In 1996 it was recorded nearby at Mersehead (VC73) on 23rd July with two further records near Auchencairn in 2021 and 2022.