National Status

Population trend 10 years -28%; since 1976 +150%.

West Midlands Status

Widespread, found almost in all areas, range stable. Population trend 10 years – decreasing.

Habitat

Open woodland, woodland margins, hedgerows and gardens.

Flight Period

Hibernates through the winter and has two generations each year in late June/early July and late August/early September.

Hotspots

The highest transect counts are at Grafton Wood and the Knapp and Papermill, Haugh Wood, Monkwood, Rea Valley.

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Currants (various) (Ribes spp.), Elms (various) (Ulmus spp.), Hop (Humulus lupulus) and Willows (various) (Salix spp.) are also used.