Ypsolopha ustella
Variable Smudge
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.
Well wooded areas containing Oak.
One of few species which can be found on the wing during the winter period.
In common with several of its close relatives, the foodplant is Oak. It overwinters as an adult.
Widespread in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Occasional or little recorded in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).
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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
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