Identification

The three cross-bands are all of the same strength, dark greyish-brown colour, with chequered fringes on the wings.  Also the white cross-bands have a series of fine dark dots running through them to give it a distinctive look.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon on the ground. Larvae are present July and August.

Larval foodplants

Heath Bedstraw.

Habitat

Moorland and other grassland where the larval foodplant of Heath Bedstraw is found.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway for VC72 at Raehills, south of Beattock by Little,  for VC74 near Gatehouse by Russell and for VC73 near Gatehouse by Russell.