Identification

The dark narrow cross-band on the forewing with irregular edges, which is pinched-in or broken in two at the trailing edge is diagnostic.

Recording method

Comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larva appear during July to September.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on various trees including Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Downy Birch and Pedunculate Oak.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, scrub and hedgerows.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway as late as 1942 for VC73 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell,  in 1951 for VC72 at Tynron by Duncan and in 1976 in the Rothamsted moth trap at Penninghame House, north of Newton Stewart.