Identification

The blackish cross-band normally fades away on reaching the trailing edge and with three black or dark grey blotches on the greyish forewing is diagnostic.

Life cycle

The extended flight period is associated with two annual generations, but there is much overlap. Overwinters as a pupa underground. Larvae are present June to late October.

Larval foodplants

Herbaceous plants of the cabbage family.

Habitat

Wide range of habitats. Larvae feed on wild plants in the cabbage family. Overwinters as a pupa.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway for VC72 near Dumfries by Lennon  who stated that it was ‘very common’,  for VC74 in 1899 at Corsemalzie by Gordon and for VC73 in 1942 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell. The form thules, which is darker and less contrasting, first occurred at New England Bay (VC74) on 5th September 2005.