Identification

Unmistakable.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during July to late May, pupating in loose earth.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Cleavers and other plants including other bedstraws, wormwoods, docks and sorrels.

Habitat

Wide range of lowland habitats including hedgerows, scrub, open woodland and coasts.

History

First recorded in Dumfries and Galloway for VC72 in 1820 from Raehills, south of Beattock by Little, for VC74 in 1899 near Monreith by Morton and for VC73 near Gatehouse by Russell.