National Status

Rapid range contraction since 1980s. Occurs as far north as southern Scotland, main strongholds coastal. Population trend 10 years -25%; since 1976 -87%.

West Midlands Status

Most remaining populations in the north and west. Range contracting. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.

Habitat

Warm, sunny spots with short grass and rough stony ground. Has a liking for warm microclimates. Colonial but will wander occasionally into gardens.

Flight Period

Double-brooded flying May/June and late July/September. Second generation more numerous. Third brood occasionally in southern Britain but very rare in the West Midlands.

Hotspots

Bury Ditches, Caer Caradoc Hill, Wenlock Edge quarries, Titterstone Clee all in Shropshire. Bury Ditches, Lea Quarry

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Bents (various) (Agrostis spp.), Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus).