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

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Willow Beauty.

Recording method

Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva on the foodplant. Larvae late August to May.

Larval foodplants

A wide variety of broadleaved and coniferous plants and trees, including hawthorns, birches and spruces.

Habitat

Most abundant in woodland and moorland, but also gardens, parks and hedgerows.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Kirkconnell Flow by Lennon, in 1890   for VC74 at Portpatrick by Gordon who said it was ‘not uncommon’ and could be found ‘on tree trunks and flying at dusk’ and in 1943 for VC72 at Tynron by Duncan.