Status
Morley's Final Catalogue: Not recorded from Suffolk in Morley's time.
Recent Suffolk Status: Fairly common. Formerly a Red Data book species that has undergone a rapid expansion northwards from Kent and Sussex in recent times.
The first county record was in 2001, at Landguard (N. Odin, M. Marsh). Recorded again in 2004 at Rendham (M. Deans). Larvae were also found for the first time in September that same year, at both Dunwich (T. Prichard, N. Sherman) and Thorpeness (N. Cummings) on Common toadflax. Records remained coastal until 2011 when moths and larvae were found in Ipswich. Since that time the moth has continued to increase and has colonized most of the county.
Life history: Double-brooded. The colourful and obvious larvae are regularly recorded in the county as they are now usually found more often on the common garden plant Purple toadflax. Adults can be scarce at light, even in gardens where the larvae are common. Also noted feeding at flowers at dusk in Suffolk, again mainly in gardens, Campions being particularly favoured.
Identification: Unmistakeable.
Habitat: Coastal shingle, gardens, road verges, grassland.Recorded in 41 (71%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2001.
Last Recorded in 2024.
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