National Status

Restricted range mainly in central southern counties with outlying colonies in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Population trend 10 years +25%; since 1976 +50%

West Midlands Status

Stronghold is Worcestershite with continuing range expansion to the north and to the west.

Habitat

Tall unimproved grassland. Colonial but more mobile than some other grassland species.

Flight Period

One brood emerging late June peaking in mid-July and declining into August. In West Midlands, colonies generally have a short flight period of 2-3 weeks.

Hotspots

Saltwells LNR in Dudley, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire. Highgate Common, Ewyas Harold, Haugh Wood, Doward, Coppett Hill, Portway Hill, Woodgate Valley, Venus Pool in Shropshire.

Caterpillar Food Plant

Grasses including Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Sheep's Fescue Festuca ovina, Timothy Phleum pratense, Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata and Tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum.