Scalloped Hook-tip
Falcaria lacertinaria
This record describes Falcaria lacertinaria (species). Recorded family: Drepanidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27 to 35 mm. This species has an unusual resting posture, with the wings held in an arch over the back, resembling a dried leaf. It is mainly a woodland species favouring areas where Birch is present. Double-brooded, the adults can be found on the wing in May and June, then again in August. It is widespread and reasonably common over much of Britain in suitable habitat. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Falcaria lacertinaria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcaria_lacertinaria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Drepanoidea
- Family
- Drepanidae (Hooktip and False Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Drepaninae
- Tribe
- Drepanini
- Genus
- Falcaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is mainly a woodland species favouring areas where Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
Double-brooded, the adults can be found on the wing in May and June, then again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and reasonably common over much of Britain in suitable habitat. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Falcaria lacertinaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Scalloped Hook-tip (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Hook-tip
What is Scalloped Hook-tip?
Scalloped Hook-tip (Falcaria lacertinaria) is a species in the family Drepanidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scalloped Hook-tip found?
Habitat: It is mainly a woodland species favouring areas where Birch is present.
When is Scalloped Hook-tip active?
Scalloped Hook-tip: seasonal activity - Double-brooded, the adults can be found on the wing in May and June, then again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Scalloped Hook-tip?
The larvae feed on Birch.