Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on a wide variety of grasses. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and common, rising to abundant in unimproved grassland, falling to frequent on open heathland.

Care is needed in identifying the Smoky Wainscot correctly, as it resembles the Common Wainscot2199. Diagnostics include: darker hindwing; pronounced set of post-median dots; flight period June to September, not May to October. A partial second brood occurs during September.

Hill, L., 2013: Additional diagnostic includes more rounded forewing apex than Common Wainscot2199 and other species.

Recorded in 42 (105%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1895.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)