Identification

Unmistakable.

Recording method

Flies from dusk, comes to light in small numbers.

Life cycle

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

Larval foodplants

Heath Bedstraw, Lady’s Bedstraw and Cleavers.

Habitat

Moorland, heathland and woodland rides.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1897 for VC74 at Corsemalzie  by Gordon who found it ‘abundant among bracken at light’ and ‘ swarming in Kennel Wood’, in 1930 for VC72 at Closeburn by Duncan and in 1942 for VC73 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.