Identification

The highlighted veins on the forewing appear as white stripes and together with white stripes on the thorax give it a diagnostic look.

Life cycle

This resident of the coastal Mediterranean appears in Britain in small numbers most years but is prone to larger influxes. It is unable to survive our winter. Due to its rarity status a specimen or quality photo required for record acceptance.

Larval foodplants

Willowherbs and Hedge Bedstraw.

Habitat

Open coastal areas, gardens and woodland.

History 1860-2010

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.