Identification

Unmistakable with large size, two narrow, nearly parallel pale cross bands on a plain forewing. Males (feathered antennae) and females (larger size) easily distinguished and it would be useful to record the sex separately.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a fully grown larva, under moss or leaf litter, during July to April, feeding until October, with pupation in a long cigar-shaped cocoon close to the ground.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on heathers, Blaeberry, Bramble, Meadowsweet and other plants.

Habitat

Heathland, moorland, damp grassland and open woodland.

History 1860-2010

Alexander Somerville of Glasgow (1858) recorded larvae on his visit to the Moffat area (VC72) just prior to early September 1858. Lennon (1860) stated he had bred 10 on, presumably from larvae he had collected from around Dumfries whilst out rambling. By 1863, he stated that it was common on the heath.

Gordon (1913) listed the earliest date as 13th May 1901. He considered it common and widespread on all the moors. Larvae being especially abundant among white grass in the autumn, so much so that on 15th September 1903 with his brother they collected over 400 in one afternoon on Glenelrig Moor, Mochrum. Earliest date was 21st May 1901. Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72).

During 1976-92 there were just nine records from four of the Rothamsted stations. Otherwise, as you would expect, most records from 1992-2010 were from moorland, heathland and the occasional coastal site.

The dates of the records of the larvae ranged from 7th July to 30th October.