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

Identification

Usually distinctive.

Recording Method.

Flies by day, mainly in sunshine, feeds at flowers.

Life cycle

Probably two generations. Overwintering stage is unknown. Larvae July to September. Pupates in a cocoon just below ground.

Larval foodplants

The terminal shoots of Heather and Bell Heather.

Habitat

Heathland and moorland.

History

Somerville (1858) found the larva on heath near Moffat in August of that year. Lennon (1860) stated he had found this species around Dumfries whilst out walking that season. By 1863, he had found it at Tinwald Downs (VC72) and Dalskairth (VC73). K. J. Morton of Edinburgh (1900) whilst on a visit in July 1899 to Wigtownshire had found this species in the Monreith area.

Gordon (1913) stated it was common on all moors around Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, and that he had taken one at rhododendron flowers on 16th June 1899 at his home. Earliest date was 8th May 1899.

Russell (1944) listed it as occurring near Gatehouse of Fleet during 1942-43. Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Lochar Moss and Castlehill, Dumfries (VC72).

It was 1972 before it was found again, at Stroan Loch (VC73) and surrounding area. 1987 produced the next record at Cairnsmore of Fleet. Through the 1990s, further specimens were found at the Silver Flowe (VC73), Carsegowan Moss (VC74) and Longbridge Muir SSSI (VC72).