Description: Wingspan 26-39mm. An extremely variable species with many colour forms ranging from green through to brown. Individuals found on upland sites, or where Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus is the main foodplant, tend to be smaller and darker than those found in lowland habitats. Most colour forms have darkish bands which vary in intensity and pattern. Most specimens have an apical streak on the forewings. From early June to mid-September.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe including Iceland as far east as China and Japan.

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

Ecology: It occurs on a wide variety of habitats such as woodland margins, clearings, bogs, fens, moorland and suburban gardens. Adults are attracted to light often in large numbers. They are occasionally disturbed from the trunks of trees, branches and foliage during the day. The larvae can be found in May and early June on Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, Heather Calluna vulgaris, Hazel Corylus avellana and willow Salix spp. It overwinters as an egg stage.

Key Identification Features:

• Apical streak on forewings
• Darkish central band
• Hindwings pale brown

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

iNaturalist: Hydriomena furcata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.