Identification

Variable in size. Forewing pointed, light greyish-straw or reddish-straw. Has an outer cross-line of fine dark dots.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also occasionally comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg. The larva can be found from April to late July. Pupates among the roots of the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

Common Reed.

Habitat

Found in and around wetlands with Common Reed.

History

The first record for the region was not until 1951 when one was caught at Tynron (VC72) on 21st October (Duncan & Cunningham 1952). The next came in mid-September 1974 at Auchenrivock (VC72), followed by a number of records from the Rothamsted stations at Caerlaverock and Gatehouse-of-Fleet during 1975-1980, with single records from the other stations at Bridge of Dee, Waterside Mains and the only record to date for Wigtownshire at Penninghame.

There is just one record for the 1980s at Hensol Estate on 23rd August 1982.

From 1992-2010 it had been found nearly annually (missing six years in that period) mainly through portable trapping throughout VCs 72 and 73.