Identification

Usually distinctive.

Recording Method

Attracted to light. Flies from dusk and visits nectar flowers.

Life cycle

Unable to survive the winter in Britain. Larvae June/July and August/September though rarely found in Britain.

Larval foodplants

Willowherbs and Hedge Bedstraw.

Habitat

Open coastal areas, gardens and woodland.

History 

J. G. Gordon netted one hovering over rhododendron in his garden at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, at dusk on 18th June 1906, as recorded by his brother, R. S. Gordon (1913).

On 10th June 1947 a fine female was netted by F. W. Smith, again at rhododendron, at Southwick (VC73).

Another was found nectaring at rhododendron on 9th June 2007 at Barnshalloch for about three minutes at 07:30 before flying off. All three records found in June.