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

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Purple Thorn.

Recording method

Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae  late June to late August. Pupates just below ground.

Larval foodplants

Ash, birches, Blackthorn, dog-rose, elms and oaks.

Habitat

Open woodland and scrub.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1870 for VC73 in Colvend parish by White, in 1898 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it ‘not uncommon at light’ but not until 1951 for VC72 at Tynron by Duncan.