About Hydriomena ruberata (Freyer)
Hydriomena ruberata, commonly known as the ruddy highflyer, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Christian Friedrich Freyer in 1831. Its distribution ranges from Ireland and Great Britain eastward to north-western Russia, and extends south as far as the Alps. It is also found in North America. The wingspan of Hydriomena ruberata measures 29 to 37 millimetres. It is extremely similar in appearance to Hydriomena impluviata. It can be distinguished from Hydriomena impluviata by the previously documented characteristics and the more common presence of a reddish or rust-coloured tone across its body. The subbasal line of the moth is variable; it is often strongly angled in the cell, and sometimes thickened at the angle as well as at the hindmargin. The antemedian rust-coloured band frequently ends in a noticeable black spot at the hindmargin. In the distal area, the black line on the first radial is generally distinct, while the black lines on the 5th subcostal and second radial are rarely as strong. A black apical streak is typically conspicuous. The name-type specimen is grey with sharp markings, where the rust colour is reduced to four narrow, inconspicuous bands. The larva of Hydriomena ruberata is relatively sturdy, has a small number of short bristles, and is light reddish grey-brown in colour. There is one generation of the species per year, with adult moths active on wing from mid-May to July. The larvae feed on species of the genus Salix, including Salix phylicifolia and Salix aurita. Larvae can be found from June to September. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.
