Identification

The pale patch with the typically weak discal spot and the wedge-shaped projections pointing inwards as well help to identify it. Care needed in separating from other ‘pugs.’

Recording method

Flies from dusk in early spring, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae are present during June and July.

Larval foodplants

Pedunculate Oak, Sessile Oak and Hawthorn.

Habitat

Oak woodland, but also hedgerows and gardens in well-wooded areas.

History

First found for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC72 near the Craigs, Dumfries by Lennon, in 1911 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it ‘common flying at dusk around sallows on the moors’ and in 1942 for VC73 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.