Ypsolopha ustella

Alternative names
Varied Ochre
Variable Smudge
Description

Wingspan 15 to 20 mm. Exhibiting numerous colour forms, this moth is easy to confuse with some of the other members of the Ypsolopha genus. However it can often be distinguished by the narrower forewings.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Well wooded areas containing Oak.

When to see it

One of few species which can be found on the wing during the winter period.

Life History

In common with several of its close relatives, the foodplant is Oak. It overwinters as an adult.

UK Status

Widespread in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Occasional or little recorded in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).

Reference
17.011 BF461

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Variable Smudge
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Ypsolophidae
Records on NatureSpot:
24
First record:
28/02/2009 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
25/07/2025 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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