Identification

Very distinctive.

Recording method

Often seen by day on vertical surfaces such as walls or sheds, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae are present June to October.

Larval foodplants

A wide variety of low growing plants where it feeds on the flowers.

Habitat

A variety of open inland sites; coastal saltmarshes as well.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1870 for VC73 in Colvend parish by White, in 1899 for VC74 at Kirkmaiden Shore by Gordon where it was ‘rather common’ and in 1975 for VC72 at the Caerlaverock Rothamsted light trap.