Red List: Near Threatened (NT). GB Status: Common.

See also Moth of the Week (10/05/2020)

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with the red form of Red Twin-spot Carpet. More information here.

Recording Method

Flies from dusk and attracted to light.

Life cycle

Two generations. Overwinters as a pupa. Pupates in a cocoon in plant debris. Larvae  July to September.

Larval foodplants

Bedstraws, docks and other herbaceous plants.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats including gardens, woodland, hedgerows, moorland and coastal locations.

History

The earliest notification of this species is published in Stephens (1829) with the Rev. William Little recording it at Raehills (VC72). Somerville (1858) on a visit to the Moffat area in August of that year recorded its occurrence. Francis Buchanan White of Perth (1895) listed it as occurring in Colvend parish. Gordon (1919) had found it common at light at Corsemalzie from mid-May to mid-June. Earliest date was 14th May 1911.

Russell (1944) while staying at Gatehouse of Fleet during 1942-43 had found it locally on his walks. Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and CastleHill, Dumfries. Pelham-Clinton recorded the only records during the 1960s from Palnackie and Rockcliffe (VC73).

Since the Rothamsted stations were installed there have been many records of this difficult species. And, with the advent of the portable trap it has been found to be still widespread through the 1990s and the 21st century.