Morley's Final Catalogue: Not uncommon here up to 1890, larvae abundant in Belton bog before 1834 (Paget); now a good deal scarcer though still widely distributed; not often seen flying, though the splendid larva occurs on many heaths and, in marshes, feeds on Epilobium.

Recent Suffolk Status: Common and widespread.

Life history: Single brooded.

Identification: Unmistakeable.

Brightly coloured males can be seen in the daytime on warm sunny days flying fast in search of the larger paler females, which fly around dusk. Recent use of the specific pheromone lure has produced more records.
Large green larvae regularly found.

Habitats: Open woodland, heathland, wetlands, scrub.

Recorded in 44 (76%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1893. Last Recorded in 2026. Additional Stats

Exit Recorder