Description: Wingspan 31-35mm. Adults are variable in colour and size. The majority of individuals are pale ochreous brown with three median cross lines. The area between the two main cross lines is generally paler in colour giving the appearance of a broad central band. From early March to mid-May.

Irish Distribution: Common and widespread in Down and Armagh, with scattered records from Fermanagh mainly from well-known sites such as Crom Estate, Garvary Wood and Monmurray. It has also been reported from Rehaghy Mountain, Tyrone and recently the Umbra, Londonderry.

Ecology: An early spring species, found mainly along woodland edges, hedgerows and bogs. Adults appear frequently at light in small numbers. The larvae can be found from May to July on wild roses Rosa spp. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Three median cross lines
• Apical streak
• Hindwings pale whitish brown with a darkish fringe

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

iNaturalist: Anticlea badiata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.