Identification

Dingy Shell always rests with its wings closed, which should separate it from Small Yellow Wave.

Recording method

Easily disturbed by day, comes to light in small numbers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae late June to August, pupation taking place on the ground among plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed only on Alder and adults seldom stray far.

Habitat

Wet woodland and riverbanks.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1975 for VC73 at the Gatehouse of Fleet Rothamsted light trap and in 1994 for VC72 at Castle Loch, Lochmaben by Richard Mearns.  To date there are no records from VC74.