Host plants:
The larvae feed on Vaccinium, especially V. uliginosum, but also V. myrtillus. Reputedly also on willows (Salix).
Habitat:
Macaria brunneata is a typical inhabitant of woody bogs where the larvae can be common on Vaccinium uliginosum. But it is not restricted to bogs and can also be found in moist woodlands with Vaccinium undergrowth, dwarf shrub heathlands and similar places.
Life cycle:
The egg hibernates. The larva is found from April to June, the moths between June and July (in highter altitudes still in August).
Remarks:
Macaria brunneata has an Holarctic distribution. In central Europe it is most common in the Alps and in secondary mountain ranges on silicates, otherwise only very local.