Yorkshire Status: Rare

First found in 2018, this species has now been recorded from three sites in VC63 and is likely to spread across the county. It is interesting to quote what we have said about this in the past:

From "moths to look out for" in the 2015 annual report:
This species has not yet been recorded in the county but may be heading our way. First seen in Kent in 1933 it has recently been spreading north and west. There have been records in Lincolnshire and in 2014 one was found in South Manchester, just into Cheshire. This is a large Pug which could easily be mistaken for other species such as Grey, Plain or Pimpinel Pug, so it really is a species about which we should be aware. It flies in June and July and is commonest in coastal habitats but also rough or scrubby grassland where yarrow grows. The larva is difficult to find by searching and it is apparently better to beat the withered seed heads when brown. Like many Pugs, dusking around the foodplant may be a good way to find it.

From the 2018 annual report:: We predicted the arrival of this species in the county in the 2015 report (p.26) as it has been heading in our direction with records in Cheshire and Lincolnshire. A remarkable series of eight records of eight single moths in the south east of VC63 means that we need to keep a close look out for this species in future. One moth was dissected to be quite sure of the identification, though photographs were extremely suggestive of this species. It is a large and rather greyish Pug. Possible confusion species might be Plain or Pimpinel Pugs. Fresh specimens often show a pale oblique apical streak, the discal spot is small and inconspicuous and the abdomen has a dark sub-basal band. The forewing costa is very straight. Worn specimens will need dissection. If you live in the south-east of VC63, try dusking around some Yarrow in 2019.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 2 (1%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2018. Last Recorded in 2022. Additional Stats

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