• National Status: Found almost anywhere in the UK. Primarily a migrant but now overwintering in southern England. Population trend 10 years -40%; since 1976 +257%. Numbers fluctuate depending on number of migrants reaching UK each year.
• West Midlands Status: In almost every tetrad, range stable. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.

• Hotspots: Gardens and orchards especially in autumn.

• Habitat: Can be found almost anywhere.

• Flight Period: Most migrants arrive in May and June although they may also be seen earlier in the year. The single brood may emerge at any time between mid-August and late September, even into October.

• Wingspan Male 64–72 mm, female 70–78 mm.

Caterpillar Food Plant – The main foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Hop (Humulus lupulus), Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria judaica) and Small Nettle (Urtica urens) are also used

Life Cycle

• The Charts show the distribution over the last 5 years – complete coverage 2020 to 2025
• The Population Trend from Transect Records considered significant increase – 2021to 2025
• Phenology from Transect Records

Members Photographs