[1][2][3] It was described by Louis W. Swett in 1918 and is found in North America,[2] where it has been recorded from Yukon Territory to western Alberta and Colorado.

The forewings are dark ashen grey, with a broad, irregular fuscous band centrally.

The hindwings are pale grey with six or seven indeterminate, brown, wavy, hair-lines crossing them.

[4] Adults have been recorded on wing from April to July.

The MONA or Hodges number for Hydriomena macdunnoughi is 7255.