Nudorthodes variabilis is a moth in the Noctuidae family. It is found along the coast of southern California, from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County. The length of the forewings is 13–14 mm. The forewing ground colour is usually even grey brown, sometimes with a slight reddish tint. The medial line is usually prominent, extending obliquely from the costa to the reniform spot and as a straight line from there to the hind margin. The lower third of the reniform spot is filled with a well-defined dark blue-grey patch. Adults have been recorded on wing from late August to mid-September.