Identification

Male has a distinctive look, whereas the female could be mistaken for a Square-spot Rustic, but that species does not have the white spots along the costa and flies later in the year.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a almost fully grown larva during August to May, feeding at night, hiding by day. Pupations takes place in an underground cocoon.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens, heathland and moorland.

History

Lennon (1863) stated that it was not common, but that it had occurred at Dalskairth (VC73). Gordon (1913) found it generally distributed in Wigtownshire, coming to light and sugar during early June. Earliest date was 31st May 1911.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72).

During 1974-92 six of the seven Rothamsted stations recorded it regularly, Caerlaverock not finding the species.

Durisdeer (VC72), Carsfad near Dalry and the Wood of Cree area (both VC73) were regular sites where it was trapped during 1992-2010, but only six records came from Wigtownshire in that period.