70.287 BF1964

The Annulet Charissa obscurata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Wingspan 27-32 mm.

A variable species, whose ground colour generally reflects the area it inhabits; whitish or pale grey in limestone and chalky districts, darker forms from peaty soils.

It inhabits heathland, dry stony areas and coastal locations, and is fairly widespread throughout Britain in these habitats.

The adults are on the wing in July and August, and the larvae feed on heather (Calluna) as well as a range of herbaceous plants.