Description: Wingspan 32-38mm. From late June to the end of July.

Irish Distribution: Widely distributed but more local than the Lead Belle. It has been recorded more recently in southern counties, particularly from coastal localities in Down, such as Glasdrumman and the Mourne Coastal path, where it seems to have established populations; many of the recent records are from this general region. It has been taken inland at Brackagh Moss, NNR, Peatlands and the Forkhill/Crossmaglen area of south Armagh, back in the early 1990s. North of Lough Neagh it has been taken at Castlerock Londonderry.

Ecology: Generally much scarcer than the Lead Belle although it does share similar habitats. The larvae share the same characteristics and foodplants as the Lead Bell. It overwinters as a larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Closely resembles the Lead Belle; requires careful examination
• Two median cross lines - the central area is darker
• Apical streak
• Discal spot on the forewings lies closer to the antemedian line.
• Hindwings slightly darker than Lead Belle, no markings

Distribution Map from NBN: Scotopteryx luridata at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Scotopteryx luridata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.