Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Common.

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Ringed Carpet and Square Spot.

Recording method

Can be found on tree trunks by day. Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation, sometimes a partial second generation.. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae May to June, again August to September. Pupates underground.

Larval foodplants

A wide variety of woody plants including Broom, Downy Birch, Hawthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam, Sallows, Spindle and Wild Privet to name a few.

Habitat

Mainly broadleaved woodland, but also in gardens, hedgerows and scrubby areas.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1820 for VC72 (as a Small Engrailed) at Raehills by Little, in 1862 for VC73 (as a Small Engrailed) at Dalskairth by Lennon and in 1912 for VC74 (as a Small Engrailed) at Corsemalzie by Gordon.  The first record of this moth as an Engrailed was in 1930 for VC72 at Closeburn by Duncan.