Identification

Great care should be taken in identifying this species due to confusion with Cream Wave which is larger with more pointed wings.  Another feature for this species is that the dot on the hindwing is larger than the one on the forewing.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during late August to May, spending its time in plant debris from where it pupates.

Larval foodplants

Common Valerian and Meadowsweet.

Habitat

This moth likes marshy situations and can be disturbed during the day.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in VC73 as recently as 1977 at Bridge of Dee, west of Castle Douglas, in the Rothamsted moth trap.  It was found in VC72 in 1997 at Kirkton and in VC74 not until 2017 at Leswalt.