Description: Wingspan 43-56mm. A variable species with many different colour forms, ranging from pale to dark brown; the degree of mottling varies considerably between individuals with some more heavily marked than others. The banded form ab, conversaria is found chiefly in coastal localities and some inland sites in smaller numbers. Generally from the beginning of June to the end of August, although some individuals can persist well into September.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe as far east as Transcaucasia.

Irish Distribution: Widespread and commonly encountered throughout all counties including Rathlin Island.

Ecology: A large species found across a wide variety of habitats especially woodland, heathland, bogs and gardens. Adults come freely to light in good numbers. The larvae can be found from late August to May of the following year on a variety of trees and shrubs including bilberry, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, birch Betula spp, bramble, oak Quercus spp. and honeysuckle. It overwinters as a larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Mottled appearance with numerous crosslines
• Many different colour forms
• Fringe on all wings

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

iNaturalist: Alcis repandata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.