Identification

The broad forewing with white outer cross-line, thickset build, together with the straw underwing which has brown borders is diagnostic.

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar and flowers.

Life cycle

Overwinters as a small larva through September to early May; feeding by night and hiding by day. Pupation takes place in a chamber underground.

Larval foodplants

Grasses.

Habitat

Chiefly open areas like moorland, sand-dunes, gardens, woodland rides.

History

Lennon (1863) had stated that it was not common, but that it had occurred at Whitehill, Terregles (VC72). Buchanan White of Perth (1895) listed it as occurring in Colvend and Southwick parishes (VC73). K. J. Morton of Edinburgh (1900) while on a visit in July 1899 to Wigtownshire had found this species in the Monreith area. Gordon (1913) had found it occasionally at sugar in woods around the Corsemalzie area (VC74) with some very dark specimens occurring.

Further Wigtownshire records occurred at Port William in 1971, Sandhead in 1972, Torrs Warren in 1983, 1984, 1992, Philip and Mary in 1998, Back Bay in 1999, Garheugh in 1999, 2000 and 2006, and Claymoddie when fourteen were trapped in 2006.

It has only been found at one site in Kirkcudbrightshire and that was at Carsfad at Dalry in 1996 and 1999. Dumfriesshire records are from Kirkmahoe parish, Kirkton and Caerlaverock WWT (RIS data).