Bordered White

Males fly around conifers in sunshine. Comes to light. Rests with wings held above the body and pressed together like a butterfly. Males vary from yellowish in the south to white in northern England and Scotland, the females varying from orange in the south to brown in the north. Males have feathery antennae.

The larva can be seen from late June to October. They overwinter as pupae on the ground among conifer needles.

Size and Family

• Family – Thorns, Beauties and allies ( Ennomines )
• Small / Medium Sized 
• Wingspan Range - 34-40mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Mainly mature Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra laricio), Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta), Norway Spruce (Picea abies)and Larch (Larix decidua).

Habitat

Native pine woodland and plantations, and shelterbelts of conifers. Prefers mature trees.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
• Well distributed throughout much of mainland Britain and the Inner Hebrides, sometimes found in abundance
• Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Stable