Description: Wingspan 34-40mm. A variable species. Adults are normally reddish grey with a darker basal patch. The central band is often edged with white and there is a reddish blotch at the marginal border of each wing. Late July to late September.

Irish Distribution: Common and widespread throughout all counties including Rathlin Island.

Ecology: An attractive species found on coastal heaths, lowland bogs and fens. Adults come frequently to light in moderate numbers especially in coastal localities. They have occasionally been found by day among ground vegetation. The larvae can be found in May and June on Creeping Willow Salix repens and other willows Salix spp., Aspen Populus tremula and birch Betula spp. It overwinters as an egg.

Key Identification Features:

• Central band edged with white
• Apical streak
• Darkish patch at the apex of forewings

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

iNaturalist: Eulithis testata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.