Identification

The dark grey central cross-band with fine white edging on an otherwise dull grey-brown forewing is diagnostic.

Recording method

Can be disturbed during the day from the foodplant Red Bartsia, flies from dusk and comes to light in small numbers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa underground, for anytime up to five years. Larvae during August to October inside the seed capsules until too large, then external on the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

The larvae feed on Red Bartsia and Eyebright.

Habitat

Grassland and open derelict ground.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Terregles by Lennon, in 1904 for VC74 near Montreith by Morton but not until 2011 for VC72 at Caerlaverock by Alison Robertson.