Photo © Mike Wall

Ypsolopha alpella

Checklist Number
17.008 [B&F: 0458]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Ypsolophidae
Subfamily:Ypsolophinae
Genus:Ypsolopha
Species:alpella
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local in oak woodland throughout much of southern England and southern Wales, north to Yorkshire. Fairly frequent in south Hampshire, but uncommon in north Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-18 mm. The main confusion species are Y. lucella, from which Y. alpella can be distinguished by the thorax being concolorous with the base of the forewing, and by the presence of fasciae, although on worn specimens these can be inconspicuous; and Y. sylvella from which Y. alpella can be distinguished by its smaller and less conspicuous fasciae, and by the paler ground colour of its forewing (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva feeds on Oak, beneath a silken web, over-wintering as an egg.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)