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

This species is generally considered a migrant which can establish breeding colonies, sometimes short lived. A series of records at Blackcraig (VC 73) from 2021 onwards suggest local breeding. Further records at Kilsture Forest (VC74) in 2025-2026 also indicate local breeding.

Identification

Usually distinctive. Sexually dimorphic.

Recording Method

Attracted to light. Males recorded more often than females.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva.  Larvae September to late June. Pupates in a flimsy cocoon in a crevice.

Larval foodplants

Dog lichen and other lichens and algae on oaks and other trees, and on rocks.

Habitat

Mature broadleaved woodland.

History 

The first record for Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway was of one caught at light at Dildawn near Bridge of Dee on 24th July 2004.

The next record occurred on Forest Moor at MV light on 24th July 2006 when two were caught by the same observer.