Four-barred Gray
Common NameFour-barred Gray
Scientific NameEpirrhoe tristata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathland, moorland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsGalium saxatile, Galium mollugo
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on bedstraws (Galium spp.) and are typically green or brown. The species overwinters as a pupa in the soil, usually having two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the overall mottled gray-brown coloration with subtle, wavy darker lines across the wings, particularly the four faint bars on the forewings, which can be difficult to discern in worn specimens. The hindwings are similar but paler.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled gray and brownish wings, often exhibiting faint, wavy darker cross-bands, giving it a cryptic appearance.
