Identification

Quite distinctive with pale areas at base of forewing which has a black basal bar. Also the dark cross-band is wider than the similar Light Brocade with a more jagged basal crossline to this band.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva, pupating in spring

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on willows, Bramble, Raspberry, Blaeberry and Cowberry.

Habitat

Open woodland, wood edge, scrub and new plantations.

History

Cunningham (1950) in the Transactions reported the first record, which was caught by Sir Arthur Duncan some time before 1938 at Gilchristland (VC72) at Raspberry flowers. He also recorded it from Mabie Forest (VC73) where it came to sugar on 24th June 1949 and 10th June 1950. These records are not shown in MOGBI.

The next record came in the early 1970s from the Silver Flowe (VC73) with two records from Auchenrivock (VC72) and Mennock in 1977. Only one record during the 1980s which came from the Hensol Estate.

From 1995 to 2009 there were a further 17 records all from Kirkcudbrightshire, except for one at Durisdeer (VC72) in 2005.