Identification

Unmistakable.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during mid-August to late May, pupating in a cocoon on the ground.

Larval foodplants

Algae and lichens on the stems of sallows, heathers and woody plants.

Habitat

Damp grassland, fens, heathland, moorland and open woodland.

History 1860-2010

Buchanan White of Perth (1895) listed it as occurring in Colvend and Southwick parishes (VC73). Gordon (1913) had found it common on moors near woods around Corsemalzie, having found 19 at rest on heather mid-June 1911. He also took 15 at light mid-June 1911. Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Lochar (VC72) and Kirkconnell Flow (VC73).

During 1974-93 all seven of the Rothamsted stations recorded it moderately. From 1992 to 2010 there were just over 100 records, mainly from moorland and heathland sites in all three vice-counties.