Geometridae : Larentiinae
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Ruddy Highflyer
Hydriomena ruberata

(Freyer, 1831) 1779 / 70.076
Photo © Robert Woods,  Fen Bog, VC62

Similar Yorkshire Species
July Highflyer
Hydriomena furcata
May Highflyer
Hydriomena impluviata
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Express Record Ruddy Highflyer

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Yorkshire Status: Rare and local resident.

This is by far the rarest of the three Highflyer species. It was probably more widespread in the past, but colonies are now scattered and isolated. This is mirrored nationally as it has disappeared from many sites, especially in England. Records tend to come from four main sites: Malham Tarn in VC64, Foxglove Covert in VC65, Fen Bog in VC62 and Thorne Moors in VC63. All are damp places with plenty of sallows, and it particularly seems to like eared willow. It does occasionally turn up in other places but some of these may be misidentifications - it is a very easy moth to muddle with May Highflyer. Pay attention to the pattern of dark dashes at the apex of the wing. If you are not familiar with this species, we really do need to see a decent photo.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Few recent records, apparently very local on moorland and lowland bogs and heather in vice-counties 61, 63 and 64. However it may not often come to light and larvae are not found by beating as they spin a web which secures them in the terminal leaves of sallow branches (per PQW). It should also be present in north VC65, since there are recent records from two sites on the Durham side of Teesdale (IF, Dunn & Parrack, 1986).

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 33 (17%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1883.
Last Recorded in 2023.
Additional Stats

< May Highflyer  |  Pine Carpet >
Forewing: 14-17mm
Flight: May - June
Foodplant:   Willows
Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
23/05/2023165SE19 - Leyburn / Catterick Garrison
02/05/2023165SE19 - Leyburn / Catterick Garrison
13/06/2021163SK69 - New Rossington / Austerfield
30/05/2021163SE71 - Crowle
09/05/2021363SE71 - Crowle
  Immature   Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
Show Details | 1990 to 2024 | 2000 to 2024 | Graph Key
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