Yorkshire Status: Migrant or wandering moth from southern populations

Dark Crimson Underwing was more widespread in the 19th century with many records in the south-east of England. The range contracted to the New Forest area, but since about 2020 moths started to appear in Kent and then in East Anglia. It was not obvious whether these were migrants or spread from the native population. More recently there have been more records further north. The first one appeared in Yorkshire on 19/7/2017 at Spurn, with another in 2019. In 2021 one turned up in York, and a fourth moth appeared at Spurn in 2023. It would appear that we have to reappraise some of these records. Until recently, moths appearing away from the core area have been assumed to be migrants, but the number of records in Norfolk since 2020 implies that is is now resident there, and this species may may well colonise Yorkshire over the next few years. Perhaps it will spread in the manner of Clifden Nonpareil. Time will tell. Unlike Red Underwing, this species is an oak-feeder. Another oak-feeder, Light Crimson Underwing, is currently confined to the New Forest area but there are early signs that it too may be expanding its range.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 2 (1%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2017.
Last Recorded in 2023.
Additional Stats