Syngrapha interrogationis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 30-40 mm. Forewings mottled in various shades of grey. Stigmata enclosed by silvered-coloured markings formed in the shape of a knot which can vary in size between individuals. The terminal area is paler than the base colour with two dark apical stripes; fringe chequered. Hindwings dark fuscous with a darker terminal band.

Key Identification Features:

• Colour of adult in comparison to other members in the genus
• Silver-coloured markings on forewing
• Apical streak

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid-June to the beginning of September.

Status: Widely distributed but more frequently recorded in western counties especially in Fermanagh and Tyrone. Well-known haunts for this moorland species include the Argory, and Peatlands Park, Armagh, Lackan Bog, Down (which is the only recent site in the east), Rehaghy Mountain, Tyrone and Correl Glen National Nature Reserve and Crom, Fermanagh.

Ecology: A species found mainly on bogland and moorland in small numbers. Usually one one or two adults are found in traps. Adult are reported to fly occasionally in sunshine and are said to rest on rocks or low down among vegetation during the day. The larvae feed from September to June on Heather Calluna vulgaris and Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus. Like other Y moths it overwinters as a larva.

World Distribution: Holarctic; widespread in western Europe from the Pyrenees through the Massif Central to the Netherlands.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2447 Agassiz number: 73.021

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: