Chinese Character - Cilix glaucata

Description

Wingspan 18-22 mm. This unusual-looking moth combines its wing-pattern and resting posture to give the appearance of a bird-dropping, thus avoiding the attention of hungry birds.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found in hedgerows, gardens and woodland.

When to see it

It has two generations in the year, May and June, then again in August, when the adults can be attracted by light.

Life History

Larva feeds on Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Crab Apple, overwintering as a pupa.

UK Status

It occurs fairly commonly in England, Wales, Ireland and southern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
65.007 BF1651

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Chinese Character
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Drepanidae
Records on NatureSpot:
311
First record:
01/06/2003 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
06/09/2023 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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