Description: Wingspan 44-48mm. This largest of the three 'kittens'. Adults are pale grey with a broad pale brown central band; there are also dark apical patches, a small, dark discal basal dash and a series of black dots above the band and along the outer edge of the forewing. The thorax is dark grey-brown. The abdomen is dark grey becoming paler at the tip. The hindwings are pale grey with brown veining and a series of black dots along the outer margin. Adults resemble the other kittens and close examination of all individuals is advised to confirm identity. Difficult to establish with certainty. Skinner gives late May to July as the normal flight period. Adults have only been found in July in N. Ireland.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe east to the Urals.

Irish Distribution: Baynes considered this species to be doubtful in Ireland, although there are a few old records for both north and south. Since 1970 there have been a number of confirmed records, based on larvae, from Brackagh Moss NNR and Goragh Wood, Armagh. No adults have been reported since 1992, when an individual was taken at Brackagh Moss. It was recorded at Oxford Island NNR, Armagh and Traad Point, Londonderry in the 1970's. The scarcity of its preferred foodplant, Aspen Populus tremula, and other poplars Populus spp. may well account for its scarcity. Its apparent absence from Fermanagh is surprising since suitable habitat does exist there.

Ecology: A scarce, local species that prefers damp woodland habitats and marshy areas. The larvae have been found in N. Ireland on willow Salix spp. in July and September. Adults come to light sparingly, but are occasionally found by day at rest on the trunks of poplar (Heath & Emmet 1983). It overwinters in a tough cocoon attached to the trunk or branch of a tree.

Key Identification Features:

• Largest of the Kittens
• Pale apical patches and straighter marginal edge to central band
• Black dots on outer margins of wings

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

iNaturalist: Furcula bifida at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.