Identification

Distinguished from the similar P.nigrata by it slarger size and straighter white cross-lines. However, P.nigrata is not yet known from Dumfries & Galloway.

Recording method

Commonly found in the field as a day flying moth.

Flight period

Double brooded. May-September.

Larval foodplants

Wild Thyme (Thymus polytrichus).

Habitat

Coastal grassland and sand dunes.

History

The first for Dumfries & Galloway was found on the White Dyke Moor at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, on 26th June 1898 by the Gordon brothers, while the first for Dumfriesshire was found at Tynron on 5th July 1944 by Sir Arthur Duncan, specimen at National Museums Scotland. No records from Kirkcudbrightshire.