The Drepanidae are a family of moths with about 1000 species recorded worldwide. Many species in this group have a distinctively hook-shaped apex to the forewing, leading to their common name of hook-tips. Others, previously placed in a separate family, Thyatiridae, bear a superficial resemblance to Noctuidae.

The larvae of many species are very distinctive, tapering to a point at the tail and usually resting with both head and tail raised. They usually feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, pupating between leaves spun together with silk.

15 species are resident in the UK:

• Scalloped Hook-tip (Falcaria lacertinaria)
• Oak Hook-tip (Falcaria binaria)
• Barred Hook-tip (Falcaria cultraria)
• Pebble Hook-tip (Drepana falcataria)
• Scarce Hook-tip (Sabra harpagula)
• Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata)
• Peach Blossom (Thyatira batis)
• Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides)
• Figure of Eighty (Tethea ocularis)
• Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or)
• Satin Lutestring (Tetheella fluctuosa)
• Common Lutestring (Ochropacha duplaris)
• Oak Lutestring (Cymatophorima diluta)
• Yellow Horned (Achlya flavicornis)
• Frosted Green (Polyploca ridens)

References

Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)

Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984