Straw Belle
Scientific name: Aspitates gilvaria
July to early September, but has been recorded in mid June
Readily disturbed from amongst grasses by day. Flies from dusk and comes to light.
Size and Family
- Family – Thorns, Beauties and allies (Ennomines)
- Small / Medium Sized
- Wing Span Range (male to female) - 32-39mm
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Red Data Book
Caterpillar Description
Overwinters as a larva, becoming full-fed in June. Pupates in a spinning in the sward
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum) and probably other herbs
Distribution
- Countries – England and Ireland
- The North Downs of Kent and Surrey. Formerly reported from other sites in southern England from Suffolk to Somerset
- Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining
Habitat
Rough chalk grassland, often with areas of bare ground, and abandoned quarries
