Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Nationally Rare/Migrant..

Identification

Usually distinctive.

Photo required for record acceptance due to rarity status.

Recording method

Larvae can be found feeding on the seeds of cones in autumn, adult comes  to light in small numbers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larva late June to mid-September. Pupates among fallen conifer leaves or plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Norway Spruce, other spruces, firs and larches.

Habitat

Plantations of introduced conifers and shelterbelts.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Glen Mills by Lennon and 1909 for VC74 at Craigenveoch by Brocklehurst but both these records are poorly documented.  The only recent record was in 2012 at Minnigaff (VC73).