Identification

Great care needed in separating the Thera species. The central cross-band on the forewing is always narrowed, not pinched out, towards the trailing edge.

Recording method

Easily disturbed from pines during the day.  Comes to light.

Life cycle

Two generations. Overwinters as a larva, during September to June, again July and August, with pupation underground.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on wide range of conifers including pines, spruces and cypresses.

Habitat

Conifer plantations and other habitats where the foodplants are found.

History

The first records for Dumfries and Galloway were for VC72 Due to much confusion with other Thera species historically, there were no records recorded until Sir Arthur Duncan found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (VC72) sometime between 1930-81 (BRC data).

During 1974-93 there were just over 200 records from all of the Rothamsted stations. Of the remaining 350 records during 1992-2010, it was regularly trapped at Kirkton and Durisdeer (VC72) and at Carsfad near Dalry, with other records from widely scattered sites across the region, proving it to be widespread and common.