Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding in the seed capsules of yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor). In Dorset, this early summer moth is rare and has declined as the unimproved grassland, particularly hay meadow, within which its host plant flourishes, has mostly been ploughed and re-seeded since the Second World War and such changes in farm practices have meant that arable no longer provides a haven for wild flowers in the way it once did. Localities where yellow rattle still supports colonies of the moth are few and far between: Fontmell Down, Stubhampton Bottom, Slepe Heath and Durlston. The colony within Durlston Country Park is particularly robust probably because a sizeable portion of it is managed as hay meadow with yellow rattle predominating. The hay meadows are subject to grazing and rotational cutting with different cycles applied to different aged compartments.

Recorded in 20 (50%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1891.
Last Recorded in 2018.
(Data up to end 2019)