Scarce Hook-tip

A brown moth with gold central markings and purplish-black markings near the hook-tips and along the wing edge but missing the central wing spots of the Pebble and Dusky Hook-tips. Rests with wings held out flat.

The adults are seldom seen, except in light traps. The larvae can be seen from late July to late September and are thought to live high in the canopy. They overwinter as pupae in a thin cocoon inside a curled leaf.

Size and Family

• Family – Hook-tips (Drepanidae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 34-40mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Red Data Book

Caterpillar Food Plants

Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata)

Habitat

Woodland with abundant Small-leaved Lime.

Distribution

• Countries – England and Wales
• Restricted to the Wye Valley, on the border between Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Also a suspected occasional immigrant.