Species Statement

The toadflax brocade occurs on shingle at Dungeness, and less commonly on roadside verges, waste ground and in gardens where the foodplant grows in open situations. Its larvae chiefly occur on yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris, but also on other Linaria spp and on small toadflax Chaenorhinum minus.

Resident populations of toaflax brocade are confined to a few sites on the south coasts of Kent and Sussex. The moth has declined recently and is seldom reported away from Dungeness. It has been recorded from almost every country in Europe, from the Mediterranean to southern Norway. Its range extends through Asia Minor east to the Amur and Ussuri regions. It is an established introduction in North America.

In Great Britain this species is classified as Rare.

This species is at the northern limit of its range in Britain and is probably limited by climate rather than habitat, with retractions in range during unfavourable climatic periods.

Coastal development, sea defence work and road-widening projects threaten remaining habitat.

Nuclear Electric at Dungeness have been made aware of the importance of the site around their power station and associated holdings.

Some of the breeding areas are within SSSIs, including Dungeness (a proposed SAC) and Folkestone Warren.

No local implementation.

Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p412)

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