Identification

Unmistakable.

Recording method

Comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa just below the surface. Larvae are present early July to late September.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on a wide range of trees and some herbaceous plants.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of habitats, usually with trees.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1858 for VC72 near Moffat by Somerville who had ‘found the larvae on birch during August’, in 1892 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who reported it was ‘not uncommon in woods’ but not until 1970 for VC73 at Silver Flowe by Hulme.

A specimen resides in the National Museums Scotland of the melanic form carbonaria Jordan which was taken at Lannhall, Tynron on 11th July 1951.