Identification

The ’80’ mark, which is finely etched, in the centre of the forewing is diagnostic.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa, in a cocoon within leaves of the foodplant. Larvae are present mid-July to September, feeding at night and resting by day between spun leaves.

Larval foodplants

Aspen and poplars.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats.

History 1860-2010

One was trapped on 10th July 1998 at Abbey Burn Foot (VC73) by Colin Plant (The Entomologist‘s Record and Journal of Variation. 111: 39-41) while carrying out survey work in the area.

Waring, Townsend & Lewington (2003) however, make no mention of it occurring in Scotland.