Yorkshire Status: Abundant and widespread resident.

In 1883 Porritt wrote "abundant everywhere and very variable in colour". This is still true. It is one of the commonest moths in August and September in a wide range of habitats, particularly in grassy areas. The wing markings are extremely variable and can often confuse inexperienced observers - in fact one of the unwritten rules at this time of year is that any unidentified Noctuid is Square-spot Rustic unless proven otherwise! Counts are frequently into three figures, the maximum being 491 at Spurn on 1/9/1999, but like many of our commonest moths, really big counts are not as common as they were 20 years ago. In general however, the number of records appears to be stable in Yorkshire. It is usually not on the wing until late July, however in recent years we have occasional early records in May which appear to be correct.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Widely distributed and often common in all five vice-counties. This is a grassland species. The larvae feed in May on various grasses, especially cocksfoot (PQW).

Recorded in 170 (85%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1847. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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