Davey, P., 2009: A few examples of this species existed in nineteenth century collections with limited or no authentication, and the moth was excluded from several books on British Moths subsequently through lack of firm evidence. Since the 1990s however, the moth has been trapped in various parts of southern England, particularly in south-east England, indicating a north-westward expansion from its headquarters in continental Europe including southern Scandinavia, the larva feeding on the lichens growing on trees. Fifteen examples have been trapped in Dorset, always on or close to the coast, with more than half appearing in 2004. All are likely to have originated from mainland Europe, see wind rose based on the following dates: Warre Wood, on 5 August 2004 (Dr P Sterling, D Foot), Weymouth, on 10 August 1995 (Dr P Sterling), Portland, on 3 August 2001, 1 August 2003, two on 2 August 2004, 14 August 2004, 21 July 2006 (M Cade), Swanage, on 29 July 2004, 14 August 2005 and 21 July 2006 (R Cox), Durlston, on 7 August 2003 (J McGill), 8 August 2003 and 7 August and 11 August 2004 (S Nash). One date did not backtrack to the Continent, namely the 2005 event at Swanage, a part of the county that recorded three moths the previous year. It is just possible the species was able to establish a transitory colony in 2004/2005.

Recorded in 6 (15%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1995.
Last Recorded in 2016.
(Data up to end 2019)