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

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Spruce Carpet. Definitive identification not always possible on external features.

Recording method

Can be disturbed from pines during the day.  Attracted to light.

Life cycle

Two generations. Overwinters as a larva.  Larvae September to June and again July to August.  Pupates underground.

Larval foodplants

A wide range of conifers including pines, spruces and cypresses.

Habitat

Coniferous woodland and  plantations and other habitats where conifers are present.

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.