Status Locally common. Nationally Scarce species. Resident in Norfolk, primarily in the Brecks and along the North Norfolk coast. Formerly scarce in Norfolk up to around 2001 when it started to become more frequently recorded. It has been well recorded in recent years, although numbers fluctuate from year to year, ranging from 10 to nearly 400 sightings in favourable years. Possible immigrant records also occur.
Flies rapidly in sunshine visiting flowers such as Viper's-bugloss and Clover. Breckland, grassland, sand and shingle beaches, and other open grassy areas, one of the main UK breeding areas in Breckland, Norfolk.
The larvae feed on many plants including Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow, Common Toadflax, White Campion, Bladder Campion, Wild Carrot, Smooth Hawk's-beard, Red Clover and Sticky Groundsel.Recorded in 53 (72%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1800. Last Recorded in 2023. |