Barred Hook-tip - Watsonalla cultraria

Wingspan 20 to 28 mm. The English name describes it well. It is an orangey brown species with a darker central bar to the wings which are hook-tipped.

Various habitats, often around Beech trees.

This is a double-brooded species, with the adults appearing in May and June, then again in late July and August.

At night it is attracted to light, but the males also fly in the sunshine, when they can be seen usually among the higher branches of beech trees. The caterpillar is brown, with a pale blotch on the back, and a short tail horn. It feeds on Beech and pupates in a cocoon between two leaves.

Distributed locally in the southern half of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).