Description: Wingspan 32-40mm. An extremely variable species with many different colour forms. The most common variety has dark grey forewings with pale brown bands located at the basal and terminal areas of the forewings. There is also a pale whitish blotch on the costa towards the apex of each forewing. Variations are common with some specimens being whitish grey with the bands greatly reduced. From the beginning of July to early October.

World Distribution: North America, throughout Europe and Asia east to China.

Irish Distribution: Widespread and commonly encountered in southern counties but scarcer north of Lough Neagh.

Ecology: Recorded from a wide range of habitats including woodland margins, clearings, bogs and heaths. Adults come to light frequently and in moderate numbers. They are occasionally disturbed by day from tree trunks and stone walls on which they often rest. The larvae feed on birch Betula spp., willow Salix spp. and Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus. It overwinters as an egg.

Key Identification Features:

• Extremely variable species
• Common form dark grey
• Pale brown median bands; white patch on costa

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

iNaturalist: Chloroclysta citrata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.