Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species throughout Britain, commonest in the south-east and scarcest in the north-west, the larva leads a subterranean existence feeding on the roots of a wide range of vegetable species and herbaceous plants. Larvae are often reported as serious pests abroad in roots of different vegetables. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and common, and has been trapped in every month except January. The peak of the autumn brood is, on average, approximately five times larger than that of the summer brood. The national norm is for a partial second brood only. Undoubtedly, indigenous populations are reinforced by immigration, and it is noticeable that peak numbers of Turnip moths recorded from light traps operated on the coast coincide with immigration events, particularly during the autumn. The mini-peak in February on the phenology chart picks out the influx of this species during the remarkable winter immigration of 2004. The steady increase in numbers through the year is reminiscent of other common immigrant species, for example Dark Sword-grass and Pearly Underwing.

Recorded in 41 (103%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1930.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)