Chinese Character

This unmistakeable moth uses visual mimicry to avoid being eaten. When at rest the wings are held steeply over the body and combined with a white, brown and grey wing pattern it closely resembles a bird dropping.

A nocturnal species, they can sometimes be found at rest on vegetation during the day. They are regularly attracted to light. The caterpillar can be seen from mid-June to mid-July and late August to September. They overwinter as pupae in cocoons attached to leaves, debris or bark.

Size and Family

• Family – Hook-tips (Drepanidae)
• Small Sized
• Wingspan Range – 20-26mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Mainly feed on Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris). Sometimes also Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and Pear (Pyrus communis).

Habitat

Hedgerows, scrub and open woodland as well as gardens.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Widespread across England, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, except on the highest ground. Local in Scotland, mainly in the south.