Pebble Hook-tip

The largest and most common of the British Hook-tips. Distinguished by a central grey pebble-like spot in the centre of the forewing and a purplish-grey blotch near the wing tip. The hindwing is generally paler than the forewing and can be seen at rest when the wings are held out flat. The southern species is a warmer orange in its colouring than the paler northern species.

The larvae can be found from late June to late July and September in the south and July to August in the north before they overwinter as pupae in a cocoon between the leaves of the foodplant.

Size and Family

• Family – Hook-tips (Drepanidae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 34-42mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Spp. falcataria Common, spp. scotica Local

Caterpillar Food Plants

Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and sometimes Alder (Alnus glutinosa).

Habitat

Woodland, heathland, gardens and other habitats where birch are found.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Ssp. falcataria is found throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland, rare on the Isle of Man, widespread but thinly scattered in Ireland. Ssp. scotica is widespread in the northern half of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides.