Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

In 1883, Porritt described Least Black Arches as "not common". It remained so until the 1960s but since then has increased in numbers, and we now expect over 100 records a year. In some parts of the county it is a fairly common species in the moth trap in May, but in VC63 it is much less common, and this lack of records extends south into northern Midland counties. In some northern parts of Yorkshire, particularly in well-wooded areas, counts can sometimes be in double figures, the maximum being 21 at Ellington Banks on 21/5/2010. In recent years there have been some odd late records in August and even into September. Like the previous species, it can be misidentified as a micro by inexperienced observers.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: A very local moth which has turned up several times since 1970. Whether it has increased or is just better recorded is uncertain but there are no recent records for VC63. The records given from Headingley (VC64) are of interest, the site (Meanwood Ridge) being only about two miles from Leeds city centre.

Recorded in 105 (53%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1883. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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