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Mottled Umber
Erannis defoliaria (Clerck, 1759)
Geometridae: Ennominae
1935 / 70.256
Photo © Charlie Streets, 3 Nov 2011,  North Dean wood - female

Similar Yorkshire Species
Spring Usher
Agriopis leucophaearia
Scarce Umber
Agriopis aurantiaria
Forewing: 18-25mm
Flight: October - January
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees
Red List: Vulnerable (VU)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

Yorkshire Status: Common and widespread resident.

Porritt described Mottled Umber as "abundant everywhere" in 1907 and this is probably still true. Its name defoliaria refers to the larvae which in some years can occur in large numbers and defoliate their food plants. Larvae are commonly encountered and are easy to identify. It is mainly a woodland moth but can be found in many other habitats and is not uncommon in gardens. The flightless female is less often encountered. Males can be very variable in appearance and in good habitat can appear in large numbers for example 172 at Ellington Banks on 11/11/2004. It has a longer flight period than Scarce Umber and can be on the wing from the end of September until early in the New Year.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: There are scattered records from all five vice-counties for this species and it is generally frequent or common.

Recorded in 138 (69%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1805.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
30/12/2024165SE37 - Ripon
29/12/2024165SE37 - Ripon
29/12/2024762SE58 - Rievaulx
28/12/2024165SE37 - Ripon
27/12/2024164SE44 - Wetherby / Tadcaster
Further info: Erannis defoliaria
 
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