Drepanidae: Drepaninae

65.007 (BF1651) Chinese Character Cilix glaucata, (Scopoli, 1763)

KR07512

 2010
 2011
 2012
 2013

General Information

This moth has delicate silvery markings on some of the veins and these, supposedly, resemble a character in the Chinese alphabet, hence its vernacular name.

 

The mixture of white with brown markings provides excellent camouflage. When at rest, with its head tucked away under its thorax and its legs well hidden away under its wings, the moth looks just like a bird dropping.

 

The pupa is formed in a cocoon attached to leaves, bark and other plant material.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 10-13mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), pears (Pyrus spp.)
Flying: Two generations, April-June and July-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Hedgerows, scrub and woodland.

Regional Information

There are no records in the system yet in MyPlace.



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Red, brown, grey
No. of Proleg Pairs:
4