Identification

Quite variable in ground colour, but usually more rufous or sandy-coloured than the other ‘minors’, with a white mark on the rear edge of the forewing where the postmedian line ends. The greyish brown distinctive form pallida Tutt occurs quite regularly over the region.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to May, with pupation in a cocoon close to the ground.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Tufted Hair-grass and other grasses.

Habitat

Wetland, open woodland and damp grassland.

History

Douglas Robinson (1870-71) had found it not common at sugar on Almorness (VC73) during July. K. J. Morton of Edinburgh (1900) whilst on a visit in July 1899 to Wigtownshire had found this species in the Monreith area. Gordon (1913) had found it to be common and generally distributed around Wigtownshire, with the typical red and clay coloured forms occurring during June. Earliest date was 17th June 1899.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72). Archibald Russell (1944) listed it as occurring near Gatehouse of Fleet (VC73) during the years 1942-43.

During 1974-93 over 200 records were recorded at the seven Rothamsted stations. From 1992 to 2010 the regular trapped sites at Kirkton, Caerlaverock WWT, Durisdeer, Kirkcudbright, Mersehead RSPB, Old Torr, Forest Moor and Carsfad at Dalry recorded most of the 260 records, with others from widely scattered sites across the region.