Last modified: Dec. 29, 2021, 7:31 p.m.
A local species in the south of Belgium. Known from two southern provinces only, mainly present in a few localities in NA. Because it is known from less than 20% of the past distribution only, it is indicated as critically endangered on the Walloon red list!
Native
The larva overwinters in the 2nd or 3rd stage. The eggs are laid on or near the host plant.
The adults fly in one generation a year: from late June to late August, with a peak from late July to early August.
The larva lives on various Poaceae including Agrostis canina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium pinnatum (egg laying observed in Wallonia), Briza media, Bromus erectus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Phleum pratense, Poa annua, Poa trivialis and Sesleria caerulea. Egg laying is also observed on Juniperus communis in Wallonia.
The species frequents lawns partly reforested by juniper, pines and deciduous trees with an understorey rich in grasses and flowering plants. This habitat corresponds to an intermediate stage of natural evolution of limestone lawns.