Yorkshire Status: Rare migrant and former resident.

Coast Dart is a rare species of coastal sand dunes, the largest populations being in East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and eastern Scotland. It used to be present at Spurn. In 1883 Porritt described it as "common at the mouth of the Humber" and in 1907 wrote "apparently confined to the Spurn district where it is abundant". The Dobree collection, which was apparently destroyed in the second world war, apparently contained "a fine series" from the 1880s, and the catalogue lists nine specimens. It is not obvious when the moth disappeared from Spurn, but we have no other documented evidence. It must have vanished not long after the 1907 comments. The only other record that we have is of one mentioned in the Millennium Review at Hawkser, the date being 17-21/8/1996. This is not an area with sand dunes, so if correct, must have been a migrant. The comments in Sutton and Beaumont that this moth should be found in areas of sand dunes at Teesside and Spurn still apply.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Not recorded since Porritt (1883-86). Yorkshire is well within the range quoted by Skinner (1984), 'from Essex to Northumberland' so its absence is rather puzzling and it is surprising that it has not been subsequently recorded at Spurn (VC61). South Gare near Redcar (VC62) would also seem to be a suitable site. Perhaps the very limited area of the dunes in these areas is not enough for a viable population.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 2 (1%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1880. Last Recorded in 1996. Additional Stats

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