Yorkshire Status: Rare and local resident.
This is a species of heathland, upland moorland and calcareous grassy lowland areas. Larvae feed on a variety of plants but the upland moths feed on heather. It is rather local in the county and not the easiest moth to identify - you need to get your "eye in" - and if you are not familiar with the species or if it is from an unusual site, it may need dissection. The veins tend to be chequered, in a pattern sometimes seen in Golden-rod Pug, but it is a more attractive daintier looking moth when fresh and has a straighter costa. It is often disturbed in the daytime on sunny days.
Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: This species has only been reported from three sites since the last list (YNU, 1970). Records do not state which subspecies has been found but callunaria (Doubleday) would possibly be expected in these areas of Yorkshire. The larvae may sometimes be found openly on flowers of hawkweeds, knapweed and field scabious (MRB pers. comm.). | Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required. | |
Recorded in 27 (14%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1857. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats |