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Antler Moth
Cerapteryx graminis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Noctuidae: Hadeninae
2176 / 73.254
Photo © Paul Kipling, 23 Jul 2011,  NZ20:Richmond, VC65

Similar Yorkshire Species: None
Forewing: 12-17mm
Flight: July - September
Foodplant:   Grasses, sedges and rushes
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

Yorkshire Status: Common and widespread resident.

In 1883 George Porritt said that Antler was "of general occurrence and often abundant". This is still true today, especially on the upper ground where it can be extremely common to the point where it can damage pastures. The biggest numbers have come from Malham Tarn - for example 359 on 13/8/2018. It occurs in much smaller numbers in lowland areas and is nowhere near as common in the south-east of the county. Nationally it seems to be disappearing from some of its old sites in the south east of England, and may be a victim of climatic change. It is a grassland moth, the larvae feeding on hard-bladed grasses such as sheep's fescue, purple moor grass and mat grass. It is quite often seen in the daytime, particularly at ragwort flowers. Numbers in the county seem to be healthy.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: A species of rough grassland. Often plentiful on high ground but also widely recorded in lower areas. Generally common in all five vice-counties.

Recorded in 169 (85%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
06/09/2024162SE98 - Wykeham
01/09/2024262SE98 - Wykeham
29/08/2024163SD93 - Wycoller
26/08/2024+65SD99 - Askrigg / Gunnerside
23/08/2024161TA41 - Kilnsea / Spurn Head
Further info: Cerapteryx graminis
 
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