Chocolate-tip - Clostera curtula

Wingspan 27-35 mm. An unmistakable species with the red-brown 'chocolate' wing tips, as well as a similar coloured stripe on the crown of the head and red-brown feet.

Woodland and well wooded areas.

The English population has two generations, with adults at large in April and May, and again in August and September. In Scotland the species is single-brooded, flying from June to July.

The larvae feed on Poplar especially Aspen as well as Willow.

Having a disjointed distribution, this moth can be found in the southern half of England and in Wales, but elsewhere only in parts of Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Previously regarded as uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland numbers seem to be increasing recently and the status may need to be reviewed. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded)