70.293 BF1967

Straw Belle Aspitates gilvaria

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Wingspan 25-30 mm.

A scarce inhabitant of chalk downland and limestone hills, this species has two races in Britain; the nominate race occurs only on the North Downs of Kent and Surrey, and the ssp. burrenensis, is to be found in the Burren region of western Ireland.

The adults fly in July and August, and the larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants including cinquefoil (Potentilla) and thyme (Thymus).