Yorkshire Status: Common and widespread resident.

In 1907, Porritt described this moth as "common probably everywhere", and in 1989 Sutton and Beaumont agreed that it was "widespread and often common". This might surprise some people nowadays, as there are parts of the county where it is not often seen. It seems to be most common in VC61 and 63, where the maximum counts are 70 at Tophill Low NR on 5/8/2023 and Fen Carr on 18/7/2023. Larvae feed on black knapweed, in the upper stem under the flower head, where it eats the young seeds. Adults are fairly distinctive, and when fresh should not really be confused with any other species occurring in Yorkshire.

Recorded in 102 (51%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1883. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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