Morley’s Final Catalogue: Ypsolophus variellus is termed common round Yarmouth in 1834 (Paget). Not infrequent here still: Bentley Woods during Oct., Feb., March and April; Martlesham Heath (Mly); Leiston, Flixton, Benacre Broad; Gorleston palings (D). Ipswich, Shrubland and Thetford (Whit.); Tuddenham Fen.

Recent Status: A fairly common species in Suffolk.

Life Style: A single brooded species that hibernates as the adult moth and can be found throughout the year. The larvae feed from a slight web on leaves of deciduous Quercus. They pupate in an ochreous cocoon on the trunk or the ground.

Identification: This is an exceedingly variable species from being extensively marked to unicolorous. The only consistent feature is a dark spot placed above the tornus. This can be difficult to see on unicolorous dark specimens. It can make the species similar to Y. parenthesella. Y. ustella will not show the sharp cut-off of the white patch. Y. ustella commonly has a dark central streak that continues through the cilia. More Info

Recorded in 30 (52%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1987. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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