Yorkshire Status: Common and widespread resident.

"Common among sallow probably everywhere" said Porritt in 1907. The same could be said today, and it remains a common and widespread moth in wet areas where sallows and poplars grow. It turns up in smaller numbers elsewhere and is not uncommon in gardens. Numbers have increased a little in recent years and it is surprising that Rothamsted data suggests a "severe abundance decline" according to the Atlas. This is certainly not evident in Yorkshire. It can be seen in good numbers at some sites, the maximum being 58 at Bellflask near Ripon on 23/8/2011. The wing markings are very variable and can confuse the unwary, especially the very pale f. flavescens.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Widespread and common in all five vice-counties in similar situations to the previous species, although see above for relative abundances. P. Q. Winter has found that both X. togata (Esper) and the present species may be reluctant to come to light if it is more than a few yards from the foodplant. However, this is certainly not the case everywhere (AMR pers. comm.).

Recorded in 148 (74%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1883. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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