Identification

The dark blotches near the trailing corner on the straw-white forewing is diagnostic for the species.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva, during August to May. Pupates in plant debris from a slight cocoon.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Cow Parsley, Burnet Saxifrage and Hedge Bedstraw.

Habitat

Range of open habitats, often damp.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in 1895 in Colvend parish (VC73) by Buchanan White.  The first record for VC74 was made in July 1899 by Morton near Montreith and by 1919 Gordon found it ‘common along woodsides’ around Corsemalzie.  It was not until 1975 that it was first recorded for VC72 at Caerlaverock in a Rothamsted moth trap and has been increasingly recorded since.