Davey, P., 2009: A common species of heathland and moorland in Britain, the larva feeding on heather (Calluna spp.), heath (Erica spp.), trefoil (Lotus spp.), vetch (Vicia spp.) and clover (Trifolium spp.). In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant on heathland, but rare elsewhere. The two sites well away from sandy soil are a disused railway line at Powerstock Common, where ill-drained calcareous clay embankments support trefoils and meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) plants, and Ackling Dyke, a roman road that comprises a narrow corridor of unimproved dry grassland on chalky soil. These chalky soil colonies produce a more robust and yellower insect than its heathland counterpart. Old records indicate that Common Heath colonies on chalky soil were more widespread in the past. Localities included: Westhays and Morecombelake, both near Charmouth, Sherborne, South Perrott and Tarrant Gunville.

Recorded in 20 (50%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1930.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)