Species Account

Select species and region:

Distribution

Summary Data

Season (Adult / Immature):

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.

IMPORTANT - Please note that the maps and accounts are provisional, subject to change and further update. The whole dataset still needs to go through the final verification process and it is likely that a very small number of records will not satisfy the present requirements and there are other records that have not been formally submitted. The information is for guidance only.

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