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

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Lesser Yellow Underwing.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a partially developed larva. Larvae September to May. Pupates underground.

Larval foodplants

Herbaceous plants such as Meadowsweet, and grasses. In spring, also on bushes such as sallows and hawthorns.

Habitat

Open places including hedgerows, gardens and sand dunes.

History

The Least Yellow Underwing did not appear in Moths of Great Britain and Ireland, but has since spread northwards and is now along our southern coast.

The first record came on 11th August 1996 on the Caerlaverock WWT estate (VC72). The next came in 1999, this time in Wigtownshire at Barsalloch Point, with Kirkcudbrightshire getting their first at Brock’s Hole, Rascarrel Bay, the following year.

During 2002-10 it has been found at Meikle Ross, Dundrennan, Castlemuir Point, Mersehead RSPB, Kippford and the Old Torr/Auchencairn area, all VC73.

Wigtownshire records have been recorded from Monreith, Claymoddie, Forest Moor (inland site) and Luce Bay area.

No further records from Dumfriesshire since the first during this period.