Davey, P., 2009: A local species in Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers and ripening seed capsules of common valerian (Valeriana officinalis). In Dorset, the moth is very local, and colonises three different habitat types: woodland rides on chalky soil, reed-bed and rocky coast. It is on the wing between mid-May and late June.

Inland: Larvae have been found feeding on common valerian growing along woodland rides on chalky soil in the north-east of the county, for example, Stubhampton Bottom hosts a colony; the moth has been recorded from reed-bed habitat containing common valerian on the River Frome at Wareham.

Coast: Common valerian is absent from the coastal belt and yet the moth is common very locally in the quarries and undercliffs that characterise Portland and Purbeck. In these localities red valerian (Valeriana rubrum) hosts the moth. Searching valerian flowers and seeds from mid-July for the fully exposed larvae may well yield more localities for this potentially under-recorded species.

It is recommended that this species be included in management plans for wetland sites containing common valerian, and for coastal sites that contain red valerian.

This species is similar to Haworth's Pug and Lead-coloured Pug. Diagnostics include: a larger pale tornal spot on a more elongated forewing and on the hindwing; less grey in the ground colour; proximity of valerian plants.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 12 (30%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1960.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)