Identification

The three orange-red or brown cross-lines, with the central one thicker and straighter passing between the kidney-mark and the oval, on orange-yellow forewings is diagnostic.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg on the foodplant. Larvae are present late March to early June, feeding by night.

Larval foodplants

Elms.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, gardens and parks.

History

Lennon (1863) had stated that it was not common, but that it had occurred at Dalskairth (VC73).

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

During 1976-82 there were eleven records from the Rothamsted station at Waterside Mains, Keir, with one other record from Bridge of Dee in 1976 (RIS data).

From 1993 to 2001 there were fifteen records from the regular trapped site at Kirkton (VC72) with singles from Cally Woods and Kirkcudbright (VC73).

In 2007 it was trapped at Carsluith and Lochfoot in 2008 and 2010, Kirkcowan in 2009, and Auldgirth in 2010.