Identification

Unmistakable.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a tiny larva during August to June, with pupation in a yellow cocoon which is attached under a leaf of the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

Cultivated Delphiniums and Larkspur.

Habitat

Mainly parks and gardens.

History

The first records were from Sir Arthur Duncan who had found it at Closeburn during 1932, 1940, a single in 1970, then in Tynron (VC72) in 1955, all specimens now at National Museums Scotland. The one from 1932 was found on 20th October, proving a second generation had occurred this far north. At this period in time it was widespread across Britain, but has since declined in the north.

Regular trapping at Kirkton finally paid off when one was trapped on 18th July 1996.