Species Account
Distribution
Summary Data
Season (Adult / Immature):
|
National Status: Migrant Local Status: Scarce and mainly coastal migrant. Local Record: Grade 3 See here for explanation Flight time: Apr-Oct. Forewing: 33-42mm. Foodplant: Many plants. (Rosebay and willowherbs) |
Record breakdown:
VC9 | VC11 | Region | |
---|---|---|---|
Year first recorded | 1949 | 1992 | 1949 |
Year last recorded | 2011 | 2006 | 2011 |
Number of records | 204 | 7 | 422 |
Number of individuals | 242 | 7 | 498 |
Unique positions | 52 | 4 | 112 |
Unique locations | 43 | 4 | 94 |
Adult records | 201 | 7 | 416 |
Immature records | 0 | 0 | 0 |
For the region, we have a total of 422 records from 94 sites. Earliest record on file is in 1949.
Photos
Species Account
For further information refer UK Moths.
Davey, P., 2009: A strongly migratory species headquartered south of 35°N that appears infrequently in southern England and rarely elsewhere, the larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants. The Striped Hawk does not appear to be able to survive the UK winter in any stage.
In Dorset, the moth is an irregular visitor that can appear at any time between February and September. Favoured years have included 1904, 1906, 1931, 1943, 1945, 1985, 1992, 1996, 2003 and 2006. Painted Lady butterflies often accompany Striped Hawks on migration, and a similar source is suspected for both species. Heavy winter rainfall in the usually arid regions of North Africa and associated increased plant growth and hence food sources, may promote increased populations of both species, but very specific weather conditions are also needed to bring it to the UK subsequently. A southerly or south-westerly weather pattern is usually established at the onset of influxes to Dorset. Striped Hawks seen in the second half of the year following earlier immigration may be indigenous, but continental sources are just as likely. Instances of migration witnessed both at destination and at source occurred in the spring of 1985 and in the winter of 2004; these involved both the Striped Hawk and the Painted Lady. A record of larvae found during a year when more than five hundred adults were recorded nationally follows: Sherborne, seven larvae on 6 July 1943 (A Harbottle).
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