The Olive - Noctuidae - Ipimorpha subtusa
73.213 BF2312  – The Olive  – Ipimorpha subtusa  – ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Adult Macro:  CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs maybe required – Can be confused with other species      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Brown –  Significant Record / Very Rare / Vagrant    
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Xyleninae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Double Kidney
ID pointers: A fairly small and broad-winged moth with olive brown ground colour. Striking yellowish cross-lines that are not parallel and the oval and kidney marks are also outlined. Centres slightly darker than ground colour. Wings slightly arched towards the tip and only, if at all, slightly hooked.
Distribution:  (Last record: 23 July 2024 at Sandiacre )  –  A resident that has always been locally distributed and generally uncommon in Derbyshire. Found in small isolated colonies where there are poplar trees and the majority of colonies are in the Trent Valley. Has become a rare species with only a few annual records.
General Comment: None
Flight Period: July /  August /  September –  On the wing July – September. One generation Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 13 January 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 27-30mm
Forewing: 14-16mm
Food Plant: Aspen (Populus tremulosa)
Last Recorded Year: July 2024
Last Recorded By – Paul Buxton
Last Recorded General Area – Sandiacre

Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©



Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1907 - 2024)  |  Immatures: (between 1885 - 2002)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Ipimorpha subtusa

Found 139 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 11 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 128 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Ipimorpha subtusa

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

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Monthly Records By Year: Ipimorpha subtusa
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Ipimorpha subtusa
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Ipimorpha subtusa
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Ipimorpha subtusa
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Ipimorpha subtusa
AGR: 0%   |   Total % Change: 0%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Ipimorpha subtusa
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Ipimorpha subtusa

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Ipimorpha subtusa – 139 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F12/08/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39954265
SandiacreSK43S23/07/20241adultpaul buxtonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37326631
Orchid WoodSK43L23/07/20241adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37476155
BelperSK34N18/07/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37187100
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T18/07/20241adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38322107
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T17/07/20241adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38321163
BelperSK34U07/08/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35296158
Lower Cromford GardenSK25Y11/08/20221adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34569112
SandiacreSK43T19/07/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35177308
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/07/20221adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35167184
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A11/07/20223adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35167059
Repton (site not precise)SK32B05/08/20181AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPU7R
Waingroves WoodsSK44E18/07/20181adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33503316
Willington, Derby (site not precise)SK22Z02/08/20171AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7LP
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S02/08/20111AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK7F6
Hopwell Cottage Farm,OckbrookSK43H02/08/20111AdultBryce, Marionvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL34N
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R25/07/20111AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL2J7
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V23/07/20111AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK752
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V23/07/20111AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPS3H
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R08/08/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKWOW
Lowes Hill,RipleySK35V08/08/20101AdultR.A. Wainvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKWQF
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S07/08/20101AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKWN2
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R01/08/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK4OL
Drakelow NR (Minton's Lagoon), Burton on TrentSK22F24/07/20103AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJPR3
Drakelow NR (Minton's Lagoon), Burton on TrentSK22F24/07/20103AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOW47
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R09/07/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK483
Lowes Hill,RipleySK35V07/07/20101AdultR.A. Wainvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJP74
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R15/08/20092AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJN2H
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R12/08/20091AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKCYI
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R07/08/20091AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJMUZ
Glebe Rise,Littleover,DerbySK33H04/07/20091AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJMEL
Drakelow NR (car park),Burton on TrentSK22F29/08/20081AdultM.J. Williams;R. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK0OA
Drakelow NR (car park),Burton on TrentSK22F29/08/20081AdultM.J. Williams;R. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ6PS
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R06/08/20081AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJKYJ
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V02/08/20081AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKLFS
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V02/08/20081AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOVV8
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R09/08/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJZ2T
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R08/08/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKI8O
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R06/08/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKI7L
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R05/08/20072AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKI6J
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R04/08/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKI4S
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R03/08/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJYZL
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y29/08/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678451
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y29/08/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJFP9
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R17/07/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHTLR
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,DerbySK33D12/09/20051AdultW. Hurstvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJB20
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,DerbySK33D12/09/20051AdultW. Hurstvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPVF6
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S10/08/20041AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ7NU
Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S10/08/20041AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ6DX
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y06/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678450
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y06/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ7I0
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A28/07/20041AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI5J5
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R28/07/20041AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ72K
The Hollies, Station Rd, Darley DaleSK26R28/07/20041AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ6BY
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678449
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ713
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X01/08/20031adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33099613
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A26/07/20031AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI4O5
Far Cross,Cavendish Park,MatlockSK36A16/07/20032AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ3V2
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y10/08/20023AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678448
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y10/08/20023AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ2VP
Clough Wood,Darley BridgeSK26Q25/05/200221LarvaeB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHON2
Clough Wood SSSI, Darley DaleSK26K13/08/20014AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ2DH
Clough Wood SSSI, Darley DaleSK26K11/08/200122AdultA. Butler;B.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ2CI
Calke Park (Betty's Pool),TicknallSK32R27/07/20015AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHOIP
Clough Wood SSSI, Darley DaleSK26K07/09/20001AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHODI
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L11/08/20001AdultVILES, Mr I.M., COOPER, Mr K.V., TRAVERS-AYRE, Mr vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHOCF
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L11/08/20001AdultDave Budworth;A.D. Price;I. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5VV
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R04/08/19991AdultA. Butler;B.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ1LX
Forbes Hole LNR, Long EatonSK43W02/07/19991AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHO2Y
Forbes Hole NR,Long EatonSK43W02/07/19991AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Viles;T. Barnardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPGXG
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L21/08/19981AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI3EZ
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L21/08/19981AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXQZ
Stevens Rd, SandiacreSK43T14/08/19973AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI365
Calke Park (Betty's Pool),TicknallSK32R10/08/19971AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ0P6
Calke Park,TicknallSK32R09/08/19971AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHNPA
Calke Park, TicknallSK32R09/08/19971AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP5CB
Spring Wood NR, Calke, TicknallSK32R04/07/19971AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ0GJ
Stevens Rd, SandiacreSK43T19/08/19961AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ08S
Elvaston Park (site not precise)SK43B17/08/19961AdultDURO, Mr T., VILES, Mr I.M., TRAVERS-AYRE, Mr I., vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIBPO
Elvaston Park (site not precise)SK43B17/08/19961AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Viles;T. Barnard;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEQJ
Lang Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33R12/08/19961AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIBP1
Lang Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33R07/08/19961AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ04Q
Lang Rd, AlvastonSK33R10/08/19941AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHMKR
Dorothy Ave, SandiacreSK43T31/07/19941AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHMKI
Dorothy Ave, SandiacreSK43T31/07/19941AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXC1
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R26/07/19941AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHMIY
Far Cross,Cavendish Park,MatlockSK36A11/08/19862AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHJJT
Johnnygate, Barlow, ChesterfieldSK37C06/08/19831AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHIKK
Johnnygate, Barlow, ChesterfieldSK37C06/08/19831AdultR.T. Doncastervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPJC
Carsington Ave, Allestree, DerbySK33J05/08/19831AdultK.J. Orpevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHIK6
Carsington Ave, Allestree, DerbySK33J05/08/19831AdultK.J. Orpevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOPJ1
Askew Grove, ReptonSK32D25/07/19833AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIQ47
Knighton St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C06/08/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHVZ
Knighton St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C03/08/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIP90
Knighton St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C01/08/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHI4L
Askew Grove, ReptonSK32D06/08/19811AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHYBE
Threepieces, Veron Lane, Kelstedge, AshoverSK36G01/09/19791AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILY3
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R04/08/19791AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILV6
Wolds Rise, Cavendish Rd, MatlockSK36A04/08/19792AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILV7
Hazelbarrow Farm, Norton, SheffieldSK38Q08/09/19781AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHGFY
Wolds Rise, Cavendish Rd, MatlockSK36A23/08/19781AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILEP
Holly Wood NR, Edlaston, AshbourneSK14R19/08/19789AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILE5
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T12/08/19782AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXC6
Back Lane, GlapwellSK46T12/08/19782AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ3DG
Holly Wood NR, Edlaston, AshbourneSK14R14/09/19773AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIKQR
The Field,Shipley,IlkestonSK44M16/08/19761AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHFT8
Askew Grove, ReptonSK32D01/01/19751Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGBZ
Askew Grove, ReptonSK32D01/01/19742Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGBY
Wolds Rise, Cavendish Rd, MatlockSK36A12/09/19731AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIIDD
Newbold Ave, ChesterfieldSK37R05/08/19702AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHVA
Newbold Ave, ChesterfieldSK37R04/08/19703AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHV6
Berry St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C24/08/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPWLY
Berry St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C22/08/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOP8P
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R10/08/19681AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHW33
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R11/08/19661AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHF8
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R11/09/19641AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH7T
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R10/08/19643AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH7E
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R05/08/19642AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH7C
Newbold Drive, ChesterfieldSK37R29/07/19641AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEGK
Newbold Rd, ChesterfieldSK37R28/08/19621AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH06
Newbold Rd, ChesterfieldSK37R19/08/19621AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHVU2
Sheepbridge area, Chesterfield (site not precise)SK37X18/08/19621AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHVTF
Sheepbridge area, Chesterfield (site not precise)SK37X18/08/19621AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7TQ
John St, Clay CrossSK36W16/08/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGU7
Berry St, Hepthorne LaneSK46C04/08/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEAL
Berry St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C04/08/19601AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7QY
John St, Clay CrossSK36W25/07/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGTB
Repton (site not precise)SK32B05/08/19181AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID92
Willington, Derby (site not precise)SK22Z02/08/19171AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID82
Repton (site not precise)SK32B01/07/19071AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHD6A
Breadsall Moor (site not precise)SK34R01/01/19051Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGJP
Breadsall Moor (site not precise)SK34R01/01/19051AdultG. Pikevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZAB
Little Eaton (site not precise)SK34Q08/06/18851LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJYJ5
Bretby area, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK22W01/01/18851Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGA8
Bretby area, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK22W01/01/18851Larvae[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGA9
Barrow on Trent, Derby (site not precise)SK32P01/01/18851Adult[VC57 Recorder]vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001TAGF9
Bretby area, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK22W01/01/18851AdultT. Gibbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP37V
Barrow on Trent, Derby (site not precise)SK32P01/01/18851AdultG.A. Smallwoodvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ3J

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