Yorkshire Status: Thinly distributed or restricted resident.

Porritt's comments that this spring species is "usually common where there is any extent of birch" is still valid today. At times it can be abundant in mature birch woodland, for example 171 at Wykeham Causeway on 16/3/2023. Away from this habitat it occurs in much smaller numbers. It occurs widely across the county with the exception of the eastern half of VC61 which has little suitable birch woodland. Its name refers to its prominent yellow antennae, and its scientific name flavicornis also refers to this feature.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Often the first of the larger moths to emerge, this species is generally common in areas of well established birch but scarce elsewhere. Recorded from all five vice-counties, although only in the west of VC61.

Recorded in 97 (49%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1847. Last Recorded in 2025. Additional Stats

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