Description: Wingspan 40-44mm. An attractive and richly marked moth. The forewings are pale grey with whitish streaks which are suffused with buff between them. There is a whitish blotch along the costal area of the forewings. The hind wings are pale greyish brown. Mainly June and July, with occasional records in late May and early August.

Irish Distribution: Widespread, but more local north of Lough Neagh - the majority of records are from north Armagh and Down.

Ecology: A distinctive species found mainly in open woodland, hedgerows, bogs and occasionally gardens in small numbers. Adults are attracted to light but are seldom seen during the daytime, preferring to hide among leaves and ground vegetation. The larva feed at night on bramble. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• The unique pattern of grey, white and buff markings on the forewings make this moth instantly recognisable.

Distribution Map from NBN: Habrosyne pyritoides at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Habrosyne pyritoides at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.