Davey, P., 2009: A mainly coastal species in south-west England and Wales, but widespread in northern Britain, the larva feeding in the stems and roots of hogweed (Heracleum spondylium) and wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris). This species is an alpine and arctic relic, so its presence in southern England is remarkable. Whereas males perish by the end of November, females hibernate in rock crevices, drystone walls and buildings, and lay their eggs during the spring on the stems of the foodplant. In Dorset, the moth is common very locally along the Purbeck coast and on the Purbeck Ridge among tall, neglected grassland where hogweed and wild parsnip flourish: Durlston, eight larvae in roots and stems of wild parsnip along undercliff on 20 July 1895 (Reverend E Bankes, E Nevison). The moth occurs on Portland and the Chesil, but is at low density. A key recommendation for the coastal Reserves is to maintain areas of rank tall unimproved grassland; host plants should not be touched until the larval stage has been completed by late August. This should help maintain colonies of this fine moth in the county.

The following individuals were trapped some distance from core habitat, suggesting occasional dispersal: Canford, on 15 and 16 October 1955 (A Kennard), Brownsea Island, on 15 October 1965 (A Bromby), Studland, on 7 October 1960 (C de Worms, J Messenger), 4 October 1961 (R Demuth, A Richardson), three on 10 October 1961 (S Coxey), Puddletown, on 9 October 2001 (H Wood Homer), Milton Abbas, two on 3 November 1981 (Milton Abbey School NHS), Shaggs, on 16 October 2001 (M Parsons), Shapwick, on 24 October 2006 (P Davey), Gaunts Common, two on 28 October 1991 (P Davey), Arne, on 14 and 15 October 1978, 26 October 1978 (B Pickess), Shell Bay, on 1 October 1990 (P Davey), Studland Heath, on 13 October 1991 (P Davey), Bournemouth, one in the Square on 7 October 1960 (Reverend F Carr), Highcliffe, three in October 1955 (B Barton).

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 17 (43%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1934.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)