Yorkshire Status: Abundant and widespread resident.

In 1883 Porritt described Smoky Wainscot as "found probably everywhere and generally common" which sounds as if it was not quite as abundant as Common Wainscot at that time. Smoky is probably the commoner of the two across the county now, and is widespread in all grassy areas. It is one of our commonest moths, and there are few parts of the county where it does not occur. Unlike Common Wainscot, it is mainly single-brooded in Yorkshire, though occasional late moths sometimes occur which are suggestive of a second generation. Some of these may be misidentification of Common Wainscot. The two can at times be tricky to distinguish, and second brood Common Wainscot may show a dark hindwing.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: One of the most generally distributed and common moths in Yorkshire, although never approaching the abundance levels of Noctua pronuba (Linnaeus). Recorded throughout all five vice-counties.

Recorded in 178 (89%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1874.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats