Family: Geometridae       Sub-family: Larentiinae 1799     *     Winter Moth     *     Operophtera brumata Widespread, common Wingspan: 22-28mm. Females are wingless. Flight time: November-January Habitat: Woods, hedges, gardens, scrub. Not found at high altitudes Larvae feed on most broad-leaved shrubs and trees, also Bog-myrtle and heather. Recently reported as a pest in forestry plantations. Similar: Northern Winter Moth and female March Moth, also November Moth agg. Usually larger with more pointed wingtips.

Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata
Adult: Ballingeary, Co. Cork, SW Ireland. December 2010. Caterpillar: On Hazel, May 2011