Small Dark Yellow Underwing
The grey forewings are marked with black and have no central spot, whilst the hindwings are diagnostic in being white with a deep brown border and a dark central crescent. The moth takes to the wing as soon as the sun appears, even on cloudy but warm days. It flies very rapidly just above the vegetation in search of flowers, especially Bearberry and Cowberry during early summer.
The larvae can be seen from July to August before they overwinter as pupae in a cocoon among plant debris.
Size and Family
- Family – Brocades, Quakers and allies (Hadenines)
- Medium Sized
- Wingspan Range - 22-26mm
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Rare (Red Data Book category 3)
Caterpillar Food Plants
The caterpillars feed by night on Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum).
Habitat
This is a moth of high mountains where it occurs at around 600 to 650 metres on slopes, ridges and summits.
Distribution
- Countries – Scotland
- Restricted to Scotland, where it occurs in the central Highlands, Wester Ross, Caithness, Argyll, Galloway and the Southern Uplands.
