• National Status: Widespread in most of England and Wales, expanding northwards. Population trend 10 years 44%; since 1976 -41%.
• West Midlands Status: Found almost everywhere, range stable. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.

• Hotspots: Areas of sunny sheltered grassland including woodland rides. Sites: Prees Heath, Lea Quarry, Baggeridge Country Park,  Haugh Wood, Wyre Forest.

• Habitat: Hedgerows with brambles, woodland rides, heaths and areas with scrub.

• Flight Period: Early July to end August with a peak in early August.

• Wingspan 37–48 mm females larger than males.

Life Cycle

Caterpillar Food Plant – The main foodplants are Bents (various) (Agrostis spp.), Fescues (various) (Festuca spp.) and Meadow-grasses (various) (Poa spp.). Common Couch (Elytrigia repens) is also used.

• The Charts show the distribution over the last 5 years 2020 to 2024
• The Population Trend from Transect Records considered STABLE increasing slightly
• Phenology from Casual Records

Members Photographs