Davey, P., 2009: An immigrant species observed in the southern and eastern counties of England, the larva feeding on various soft-bladed grass species such as cock's-foot (Dactylus glomerata). In Dorset, historically, old records suggest a species that was able to produce a resident second brood An immigrant species observed in the southern and eastern counties of England, the larva feeding on various soft-bladed grass species such as cock's-foot (Dactylus glomerata). In Dorset, historically, old records suggest a species that was able to produce a resident second brood following occasional early summer immigrations from western France and Iberia. However, more recently, the moth has been recorded annually since 1989 following a period of absence. By 2003, there was evidence of residency. The graphic for West Bexington depicts nightly trap totals during that season. Although immigration from abroad contributed to these totals on occasions, the continuous nature of the records over time plus the high daily totals indicate a strong resident population in this unimproved grassland coastal locality. The combination of the warm winters of 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, the hot summers of 2003 and 2006, in fact the warming trend as a whole, has likely spurred population expansion across the county to the point where the species appears now to be resident in unimproved grassland habitats along the coastal belt and inland, particularly on chalky soils.

This species is often confused with Clay2193. Diagnostics include: the white mark on the forewing is a discrete circular point; less rectangular, shorter wings; the subterminal line is not studded with dots; this species is rarely seen in July, the peak time for Clay.

Recorded in 37 (93%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1934.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)