Yorkshire Status: Scarce and thinly distributed or restricted resident.

Pale Eggar has never been a common moth in Yorkshire, and even in Porritt's time was regarded as "not common". Nationally it has been in long-term decline for many years, but the pace of decline is probably slower in Yorkshire than in some southern counties. This is a moth of blackthorn or hawthorn scrub, and also of birch-rich scrubby heathland. It also occurs in some moorland areas where the larvae apparently feed on heather and bilberry. Most of our records come from central parts of the county, and it is curiously absent from all but the eastern part of VC63 and from the north of VC62, despite there appearing to be plenty of suitable habitat. Like many species which over-winter on blackthorn and hawthorn as eggs, modern hedge cutting practices may not be in its best interest.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Turns up occasionally in all parts of the County but mostly away from heavily populated areas.

Recorded in 75 (38%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats