Oak Hook-tip

The Oak Hook-tip (Drepana binaria) is a moth of the family Drepanidae. It is found in most of Europe except the far north. It is quite common in England and Wales but not found in Scotland or Ireland.

The sexes differ in size (male wingspan about 30 mm, female about 35 mm) but are similar in colour. The forewings are orange-brown with three narrow yellow fascia (the outer one being faint and sometimes absent) with two dark discal spots between the inner two fascia. The apex of the forewing is hook-shaped, giving the species its name. The hindwings are lighter orange, again with three yellow fascia. Usually two broods are produced each year, the adults flying in May and June and again in August. The species sometimes flies during the day, but usually flies at night and is attracted to light.

The larva is brown with yellow markings and shows the typical drepanid shape with a tapered tail. It usually feeds on oak but has been recorded on birch. The species overwinters as a pupa.

References

Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)

Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984