Geometridae

70.074 July Highflyer Hydriomena furcata (Thunberg, 1784)

Common

Similar species: May Highflyer Hydriomena impluviata lacks the diagonal dash in the apex of the wing, but has several longitudinal black streaks in that area. Ruddy Highflyer Hydriomena ruberata has a short diagonal streak in the apex of the forewing and longitudinal streaks.

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens, carr, marshes, fens, sand-dunes, heathland and moorland.

Habits: The moth is often disturbed in the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Grey Willow, Creeping Willow, other sallows, Hazel, Bilberry, Heather and sometimes Lodgepole Pine, Sitka Spruce and possibly other conifers. It hides between spun leaves during the day and pupates in the leaf litter or under the soil.