Spanish Frosted Hook-tip
Common NameSpanish Frosted Hook-tip
Scientific NameCilix hispanica
FamilyDrepanidae
SubfamilyDrepaninae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, grey, dark brown, orange
HabitatDry scrubland, garrigue, open woodlands, maquis
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal), North Africa
Host PlantsRubus, Crataegus, Prunus
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on various woody plants, pupate, and emerge as adults, typically with two generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale cryptic coloration, and the characteristic dark brown and orange patch on the hind margin of the forewing that creates a convincing bird-dropping mimicry.
Description
A small moth with pale greyish-white forewings featuring a prominent dark brown and orange patch near the tornus, mimicking a bird dropping or broken twig. The termen is lined with a series of dark spots.
