73.014 (2437) Golden Plusia Polychrysia moneta (Fabricius, 1787)
Status
Resident? Rare.
Flight period
History
The first records were from Sir Arthur Duncan who had found it at Closeburn during 1932, 1940 and a single in 1970, and Tynron (VC72) in 1955, all specimens in National Museums Scotland. One from 1932 was found on 20th October, proving second generation this far north.
At this period in time it was widespread across Britain, but has since declined in the north.
Regular trapping at Kirkton finally paid off when one was trapped on 18th July 1996.
Life cycle
One generation. Overwinters as a tiny larva during August to June, with pupation in a yellow cocoon which is attached under a leaf of the foodplant.
Larval foodplants
Cultivated Delphiniums and Larkspur.
Identification
Unmistakeable.
Habitat
Mainly parks and gardens. |  Distribution map displays records from the National Biodiversity Network (See terms and conditions). The following datasets are included:
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