Yorkshire Status: Fairly common resident.

This species was formerly confined to southern England and Wales, but from the 1970s has been moving north. It is controversial as to whether it occurred in Porritt's time. In 1883 he wrote "Mr WE Brady of Barnsley records the capture of two specimens at Wharncliffe about 1871 or 1872 by Mr Henry Willits of Sheffield; but notwithstanding Mr Brady's evident faith in the record, I cannot help thinking there must have been some error, probably of memory, on Mr Willits' part; and until we have further evidence it will be best not to regard the species as a Yorkshire insect." The first definite Yorkshire record was from Skipwith Common on 1/7/1978. There were few records until the turn of the century, but since then it has been doing very well and is widespread across most lowland parts of the county, though it is less common in the north. Nationally, its advance seems to have stalled and it is showing little interest in colonising Northumbeland and Durham. This is a moth of grassy heathy areas, preferring purple moor-grass and false brome, and although it can be seen in a variety of habitats, it is commonest on our lowland heaths. The record count being 69 to light at Strensall Common on 17/6/2005. Smaller numbers are often seen flying by day.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: This species is moderately common in the South of England (Skinner, 1984) but had only doubtfully been recorded in Porritt's list (1904). In 1978, therefore when several were found at light on Skipwith Common, it was counted as a new County record. There has since been an unconfirmed record (due to no specimen) from another site which would seem quite suitable for this insect.

Recorded in 92 (46%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1960. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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