Drab Looper

The Drab Looper can be seen during the day feeding on Thistle flowers, near the larval foodplant.

Overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon of silk and earth on the ground. The caterpillar feeds from late June to early September, preferring the flowers and floral leaves

Flight Season

Flies from May to June in one main generation, occasionally late April, with a partial second generation in late July - August.

Size and Family

• Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
• Small Sized 
• Wing Span Range (male to female) - 18-23mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Priority Species
• Nationally Scarce
• Listed on Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016

Caterpillar Foodplants

Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), preferring the flowers and floral leaves.

Habitat

Woodland rides, clearings and coppice.

Distribution

• Countries – England and Wales
• Very local in Kent, also parts of southern England, southern West Midlands and the Welsh borders. In Wales occurs only in Monmouthshire.
• Distribution Trend Since 1970s = Britain: Declining