The wingspan is 29–37 mm. It is very similar to Hydriomena impluviata. It is "distinguishable from the preceding species [Hydriomena impluviata] by the characters noted above (qv.) and the greater prevalence of reddish or rust-coloured tone. Subbasal line variable, often strongly angled in the cell, sometimes thickened at the angle and again at the hindmargin; antemedian rust-coloured band often ending in a conspicuous black spot at hindmargin;in the distal area the black line on the first radial is generally strong, those on the 5th subcostal second radial rarely so; black apical streak generally conspicuous. The name-type is grey, sharply marked, with the rust colour reduced to 4 narrow, inconspicuous bands.[1] The larva is relatively powerful with a few short bristles, light reddish grey-brown in colour.
There is one generation per year, with adults on wing from mid-May to July.
The larvae feed on Salix species (including S. phylicifolia and S. aurita). Larvae can be found from June to September. It overwinters as a pupa.
↑Prout, L. B. 1912–16. Geometridae. In A. Seitz (ed.) The Macrolepidoptera of the World. The Palaearctic Geometridae, 4. 479 pp. Alfred Kernen, Stuttgart.
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