Identification

The series of black arrowhead marks along the costa and the fine straw-white streaks along the veins on the forewing will separate it from most species.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg, which have been scattered over grassland during flight. Larvae appear in March to July, feeding at night.

Larval foodplants

Grasses, including Sheep’s-fescue and Mat-grass.

Habitat

Rough grassland in a variety of situations.

History

Lennon (1863) stated that he had found it near the Lochar Bridge (VC72). Douglas Robinson (1870-71) had found it uncommon on Almorness (VC73). Gordon (1913) was informed by A. A. Dalglish that he had caught one near Stranraer in August 1900.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72).

There were just six records from four Rothamsted stations during 1975-76. Followed by one record during the 1980s on the Hensol Estate. From 1993 to 2000 it was only recorded from Kirkton! During 2001-10 it was trapped at Auchencairn, Kirkcudbright, Mullock Bay, Old Torr and Edingham (VC73), with Auldgirth (VC72) and Monreith Cliffs (VC74).