Size 

  • Medium Sized 
  • Wing Span Range (male to female) - 40-50mm

Conservation status

  • UK BAP: Priority Species
  • Red Data Book

Caterpillar Description

Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds in the stem and roots from May to July, pupating underground.

Particular Caterpillar Food Plants

Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis)

Distribution

  • Countries – England
  • Romney Marsh in Kent and on the East Sussex border, also the Medway Valley, Kent. Historically also recorded near Hailsham, East Sussex.
  • Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Stable

Habitat

Grazing levels and along the banks of brackish rivers.

Factsheets