Identification

Very distinctive.

Recording method

Comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva on its foodplant, during September to late May. Pupation takes place on the ground among conifer needles and plant debris.

Larval Foodplants

Larvae feed mainly on Scot’s Pine and Norway Spruce, but also Larch and Western Hemlock.

Habitat

This species is especially common in conifer plantations, but is found wherever the foodplants occur.

History

Firs recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1860 for VC72 near Dumfries by Lennon,  in 1877 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon, in 1970 for VC73 at Silver Flowe by Hulme.