Species Account
Distribution
Summary Data
Season (Adult / Immature):
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National Status: Local Local Status: Uncommon and restricted resident. Local Record: Grade 3 See here for explanation Flight time: One generation, Jul-Sep. Forewing: 14-18mm. Foodplant: Herbaceous plants. |
Record breakdown:
VC9 | VC11 | Region | |
---|---|---|---|
Year first recorded | 1905 | 1982 | 1905 |
Year last recorded | 2011 | 2008 | 2011 |
Number of records | 311 | 28 | 678 |
Number of individuals | 595 | 160 | 1510 |
Unique positions | 58 | 5 | 126 |
Unique locations | 42 | 4 | 92 |
Adult records | 310 | 28 | 676 |
Immature records | 0 | 0 | 0 |
For the region, we have a total of 678 records from 92 sites. Earliest record on file is in 1905.
Photos
Species Account
For further information refer UK Moths.
Davey, P., 2009: A predominantly coastal species on sandhills in Britain, more local inland, the larva feeding nocturnally on grasses and herbaceous plants. The adult is strongly attracted to the flowers of ragwort, marram and heather. In Dorset, the moth is well established and common very locally on heathland, especially so on the Studland peninsular where dune habitat merges with heathland. The moth exhibits variability in its markings and colouration, and the silvery-grey ground colour with a distinct vinous tint contrasting strongly with the dark markings on the wing create a striking insect. The only record well away from acid soils is: Portland, at MV light on 20 August 1991 (M Cade).
See background to species accounts. Index of Vernacular names - Search - Random Species