Yorkshire Status: Common and widespread resident.

In 1883 Porritt described this species as "fairly distributed but not generally common" and this was still the case in Rutherford's 1970 list. Since then it has increased in numbers, particularly since 2000, and our population is healthy and stable, with moths being now found all across the county - north-western districts being the last to be colonised. Nationally it has increased its range up to the Scottish border. Larvae are attractive and distinctive. In Yorkshire they have been found on a wide variety of broad-leaved trees. When checking the moth traps, the moths are often the same colour as the egg trays and for such a large moth are commonly overlooked! The adults are unusual in that they are unable to feed. They are only interested in the opposite sex.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: In the 1970 list this species was described as 'not common' and few localities were given for it. It seems to have spread appreciably since and is now recorded widely, especially in the south and east.

Recorded in 160 (80%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1883. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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