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

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Blair’s Shoulder-knot.

Recording method

Attracted to light. In autumn attracted to sugar, Ivy flowers and blackberries.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an adult. Flight season September-November, reappearing February-April.  Larvae May-July.  Pupates in a cocoon underground.

Larval foodplants

Oaks, particularly Pedunculate Oak.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland.

History

The first record for D&G, and for Scotland, was one trapped at Rockcliffe on 25 October 2017. The first for Dumfriesshire was at Glencaple on 12 October 2018. There were two other records, both in VC73, in the decade 2010-2020.

This species, once restricted to southern and central England and Wales, increased in abundance and spread into northern England in the early 21st century. It is expected to continue to spread in Scotland.