Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Common.

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Devon Carpet and Small Phoenix.

Recording method

Can be disturbed by day. Flies from dusk. Attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae  May to June. Pupates in plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Bedstraws and cleavers.

Habitat

Damp woodland, high moorland, hedgerows and gardens.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1829 for VC72 at Raehills by Little, in 1897 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it ‘very common at Corsemalzie, flying along woodland edges, in damp areas, and also coming to light’, and in 1942 near Gatehouse of Fleet by Russell.

The melanic form piceata Stephens, 1831 was first was noted at Auchencairn Bay (VC73) on 23rd April 2011, with a further record also occurring in that area on the Torr peninsula.