Identification

Key feature to separate from Plain Golden Y is the golden or silver edged kidney mark. Also a much more brightly marked moth. More information here.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light and can be seen feeding on flowers at dusk.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva among leaf litter during August to May. Pupation takes place in a cocoon which was formed in a folded leaf of the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.

Habitat

A wide range of upland and lowland habitats including woodland, hedgerows, gardens and moorland.

History

W. D. Robinson-Douglas (1874) had found it at Orchardton (VC73) during the season. Gordon (1913) stated it to be very common in Wigtownshire, and generally distributed on flowers in gardens and on honeysuckle. Earliest date was 11th June 1911.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72). Archibald Russell (1944) listed it as occurring near Gatehouse of Fleet (VC73) during the years 1942-43.

Two further records came during the 1960s (VC73). Then, during 1974-93 it was well recorded from the seven Rothamsted stations, with Gatehouse of Fleet and Waterside Mains producing the most.

From 1993 to 2010, Kirkton and Durisdeer (VC72), Cally Woods and Mersehead RSPB Reserve produced many records through personal trapping.