Hook-tip fern looper
Common NameHook-tip fern looper
Scientific NameMacaria notata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, grey-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, gardens, heaths
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsbirch, alder, willow, hazel, oak
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the distinctly hooked forewing tips and the pattern of two prominent dark, wavy transverse lines on the forewings, often contrasting with the mottled background.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled light brown to greyish-brown wings, characterized by two dark, wavy transverse lines on the forewings and one on the hindwings. The forewing apex is distinctly pointed or hooked.
