Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in south-east England but sparsely distributed elsewhere, the larva feeding on hard-bladed grasses notably mat-grass (Nardus stricta), tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa). In Dorset, the moth is at low density and more scarce than the Feathered Gothic2178. The current low ebb of the moth contrasts markedly with historical observations of abundance at Bloxworth, Chamberlaynes (twenty-eight at light on 1 September 1935), Lytchett Minster and Poole, all localities on sandy soils. The few seen in recent years have tended to be recorded from damp woodland, grassland on sandy soil and scrub-rich chalky downland; it is seldom encountered in open country, for example there [are] few records from Portland. This suggests that the moth prefers damp-loving hard-bladed grass species, for example rough meadow-grass (Poa trivialis).

Recorded in 35 (88%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1906.
Last Recorded in 2023.
(Data up to end 2023)