Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

Lead-coloured Drab must have been commoner in Yorkshire in the past. In 1904 Porritt wrote "apparently by far the most abundant of the genus in Bishop's Wood" and in 1907 "local but often abundant where it occurs". Perhaps there was more aspen and other poplars in those days, as now we would consider it a very local species occurring in small numbers near aspen. 93% of our records are of just one or two moths, though traps place amongst aspens at Nosterfield NR on 30/3/2021 attracted 27. Numbers are probably stable in the county. Inexperienced moth trappers commonly assume that "lead-coloured" forms of Clouded Drab are Lead-coloured Drab. If you are not familiar with the species, it is essential to have a look at the antennae which (in the male) are bipectinate (feathery) rather than the filiform (threadlike) antennae of Clouded Drab. This is visible with the naked eye in those with good close vision. The situation is trickier with females, but they are caught much less often. Lead-coloured Drab is also a shorter-winged moth and the appearance varies very little. The small dark marks on the inner edge of the subterminal line are also a good pointer.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: A species which has increased in range and frequency quite considerably since 1970 but is still rather local and only taken in small numbers.

Recorded in 71 (36%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats