Identification

The strongly transparent wings with two V-shaped cross-lines should separate it from Round-winged Muslin.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to early June, with pupation taking place in a cocoon formed in a crevice.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on various Lichens on trunks, rocks, stone walls, etc.

Habitat

Open stony places with dry-stone walls, but also woodland and gardens.

History 1860-2010

W. D. Robinson-Douglas found the first found in 1874. 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. Earliest date was 15th June 1911.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Closeburn, Tynron and Castlehill, Dumfries (all VC72).

During 1974-92 six of the Rothamsted stations recorded nearly 140 records, Caerlaverock being the odd one out not to record it. Regular trapping at the following sites at Bargaly Lodge, Kirkton, Cally Woods and Durisdeer produced many records with others coming from widespread sites scattered across the region.