Description: Wingspan 28-36 mm. Forewings deep yellow with a median fascia which is variable in width extending across the forewing to the costa and normally purple in colour. Antemedian and post median lines are reduced to a series of purple dots. The subterminal line is irregular comprising a series of small dark-coloured dots. Hindwings pale yellowish white, darker along the outer margin. Mid-August to mid-October.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe from Spain to the Arctic Circle.

Irish Distribution: Common and widespread across southern counties and along the Antrim coastline.

Ecology: An early autumn species found in damp woodland, fens and other wetland habitats. The adults come to light in small numbers but also visit flowers and overripe berries. The larvae feed from March to early June, initially on the catkins of willow Salix spp. and later on low-growing herbaceous plants. It overwinters as an egg

Key Identification Features:

• Broad purple-coloured central band giving a patchy appearance to the forewings
• Dotted subterminal line
• Pale Hindwings

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

iNaturalist: Xanthia togata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.