See also Moth of the Week (29/03/2020)

Identification

Unmistakable with the two brown bands across the forewing.

Recording method

Adults sometimes found by day at the base of tree trunks, males come to light.

Life cycle

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

Larval foodplants

Alder, Aspen, elms, Hazel, oaks and sallows to name a few.

Habitat

Mature oak woodland.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway not until 1930 for VC72 at Closeburn by Duncan, and 1975 for VC73 at Gatehouse of Fleet in the Rothamsted light trap and 1976 for VC74 at the light trap at Penninghame House.