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Stout Dart
Spaelotis ravida ([Denis & Schifferm?ller], 1775)
Noctuidae: Noctuinae
2113 / 73.349
Photo © Malcolm Hillier,  Cambs, 1984

Similar Yorkshire Species
Dotted Rustic
Rhyacia simulans
Forewing: 18-22mm.
Flight: One generation June-Sept.
Foodplant:   Not known in the wild
Red List: Critically Endangered (CR)
GB Status: Nationally Rare
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4

Yorkshire Status: Extinct in Yorkshire, last seen in 1997

What on earth has happened to Stout Dart? In 1883 Porritt was able to list several sites though he described it as "rare" except on the coast, and at Scarborough he labelled it as "abundant". By 1970, Rutherford commented that it was "only recorded as single specimens apart from its one stronghold at Spurn." Records fizzled out quickly, and the last one at Spurn was seen in 1986. Since then, there were single moths at Cawood in 1996 and Drax Power Station in 1997. It has not been seen since. The national situation is equally dire, and the last record seems to be from Norfolk in 2007. Noctuidae Europaeae says that "there are great cyclical changes in range and abundance" so perhaps it will make a comeback at some time in the future.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: There are few recent records of this species. It is only known to be breeding in the County at Spurn, VC61, where there is a long-established colony. Other Yorkshire records could be from small resident populations but could equally be migrants from the South of Britain or the Continent.

Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 31 (16%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 1997.
Additional Stats

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
08/08/1997+64SE62 - Snaith / Carlton / Drax
18/07/1996164SE53 - Biggin
02/09/1986161TA41 - Kilnsea / Spurn Head
1986+62SE65 - York (E)
13/08/1985161TA41 - Kilnsea / Spurn Head
Further info: Spaelotis ravida
 
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