Identification

Silky white sheen to forewings, with the black and white ringed legs is diagnostic. Due to its rarity status a specimen or quality photo required for record acceptance.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva, during late August to late June, with pupation taking place in a hairy cocoon.

Larval foodplants

Larval foodplants are poplars, aspen, sallow and willows.

Habitat

Hedgerows, scrub and woodland parks in river valleys.

History 1860-2020

It was not recorded in MOGBI even though Cunningham (1949-50) quoted our first record which F. W. Smith had found in the Southwick area (VC73) in August 1948 and recorded in the Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine, vol. 85. p. 41.

In 1996 it was found to be present nearby at Mersehead (VC73) on 23rd July. Another came in 2015 at Glentrool Village (VC73) on 23rd June close to the Wigtownshire border.