Identification

It is very similar to the Lesser Cream Wave but slightly larger with more pointed forewings. It also has a differing habitat to that species, liking broadleaved woodland and hedgerows where it can be disturbed during the day. The flight period is slightly earlier too, being from early June to early August. Also, beware of the male Smoky Wave when anticipating the form scotica.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a fully grown larva, with pupation in loose earth.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on bedstraws and vetches.

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

History 1860-2010

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in VC72 in 1862 by Lennon from Tinwald Downs, Dumfries who stated that it was ‘not common’.  The first record for VC73 was much later in 1971 from Kirkconnell Flow by Duncan and for VC72 in 1995 on Hightae Moss by Richard Mearns.