Description: Wingspan 34-38mm. Adults of this unusually shaped moth have a shrivelled appearance to the wings. The forewings are heavily marked, with streaks and lines giving a scorched appearance. A distinctive species unlikely to be confused with anything else. late May to the end of June.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe and Asia as far east as Japan.

Irish Distribution: A scarce woodland species found in low density and in scattered localities throughout southern counties. The vast majority of records are a result of recent and targeted fieldwork, which would indicate previously undetected populations rather than an increase in its range. Recently discovered colonies include Crom Estate, Garvary Wood, Derrylin, and Gortmaconnell Rock, Fermanagh, Castlewellan Forest Park, Down and the Argory, Armagh. There are old 20th century records from Lissan and Killymoon areas of Tyrone and Loughgall and Aughanlig, Armagh. Probably more widespread than records suggest.

Ecology: This moth is found in mature broad-leaved woodland. Adults are attracted to light but seldom seen in more than ones and twos. The larvae can be found from July until September on oak Quercus spp, birch Betula spp and willow Salix spp. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Unlikely to be confused with anything else

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

iNaturalist: Plagodis dolabraria at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.