Yorkshire Status: Abundant and widespread resident.

In 1907 Porrit wrote "occurs probably in most districts, and in some of them freely". It is perhaps even commoner nowadays and can be found all over the county. Numbers flucuate a lot from year to year and there were two major "crashes" in 2012 and 2019. It occurs in two broods which most years have a clear gap between them. Second-brood moths tend to be smaller and darker. If you come across large pale moths flying in the gap, bear in mind these could be Fen Square-spot. It can occur in big numbers and counts can often reach three figures, the maximum being 235 at Bempton Cliffs on 19/8/2022.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Widely distributed and generally common in all five vice-counties. There are two broods, the second of generally smaller insects being more plentiful in many areas - especially near the coast. Here numbers are swelled by immigration and more unusual forms may be seen.

Recorded in 173 (87%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1847. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

Exit Recorder