Drepanidae

65.0021 Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula (Borkhausen, 1790)

Unknown

Similar species: Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria is on average smaller (13 to 17mm) and has a diffused dark area from the hooked tip along the concaved outer forewing, rather than two or three defined dark dashes. The wing-tip is yellowish adjacent to the dark area, rather than having white scales. Some female Oak Hook-tips have large, less diffused markings along the outer curvature of the wing, but not just two or three short dashes.

Forewing: 13 to 23mm

Habitats: Oak woodland, parkland and gardens. A mediterranean species that has moved north in recent times. The moth was first discovered on Guernsey on 14th July 2023, but it was determined from photographs that they had been present since at least 3rd May 2020. On hearing the news from Guernsey a search took place in the west of England and South Wales. A specimen was recorded at light in a garden at Rodborough, Gloucestershire and another from Llandaff North near Cardiff in Glamorgan, both on 7th October 2023. This was soon followed by a specimen from Bristol and another from North Somerset. Further reviews of photographs show that the species has probably been present in the garden at Rodborough since 2021.

Habits: Both sexes come to light.

Foodplant: In Europe the larva feeds on the leaves of Holm Oak, probably other oaks and occasionally Silver Birch. It pupates in a tight spun oak leaf.