Yorkshire Status: Fairly widespread resident.

This attractive woodland moth is well distributed across Yorkshire but is uncommon on higher ground in the west of the county. The larvae feed mainly on oak and birch. Numbers trapped can sometimes reach double figures, the record being 41 at Low North Camp on 4/6/2021. Its scientific name, dolabraria is curious, as it means "pickaxe". According to Emmett, if you looked at it in its normal resting position and hugely extended the abdomen to make the haft, the wings are reminiscent of an axe head. Hmm.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: This moth has increased in the County but is still local and usually only found in small numbers.

Recorded in 132 (66%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats