Brown forest flash
Common NameBrown forest flash
Scientific NameHydriomena furcata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeHolarctic (North America, Europe, Asia)
Host Plantswillow, birch, alder, hazel, blueberry
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and the species typically overwinters as an egg or pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the variable but characteristic mottled brown and grey forewing pattern with prominent wavy pale and dark cross-lines. The feathery antennae are a good indicator for males.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, displaying a mix of mottled brown, grey, and black shades with distinct wavy cross-lines, and feathery antennae.
