Identification

Care needed in separating from Common Marbled Carpet from July onwards when it emerges. A widespread species that is more variable in its markings in Scotland than in the south. On the hindwing the central cross-line usually has a sharp point.

Recording method

Easily disturbed by day, frequently comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg. Larvae are present April to June, with pupation among plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Birches, Sallow, heathers and Bilberry.

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, heathland, moorland and other habitats.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1820 for VC72 at Raehills by Little, in 1898 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it ‘abundant on the moors’ and ‘on tree trunks, being very variable, with melanic forms occurring’ and in 1942 for VC73 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.