Identification

The dark central cross-band has a double projection at the termen end and with the greenish scales at the basal part of the forewing help to identify it. Specimen or quality photo required for record acceptance.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa, in a cocoon in loose earth. Larvae during late July to mid-September.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on stitchworts.

Habitat

Damp woodland.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in VC72 in 1862 at Terregles, Dumfries by Lennon who stated it was ‘very rare’ but this record, and the later ones by Gordon, appear to be misidentifications as they were recorded well outside the flight season for this species.  The first fully documented record is for VC73 in 1998 on the coast at Abbey Burn Foot, south of Dundrennan by Colin Plant.  Since then all records have been from the nearby area around Southwick, Mersehead and Clifton.