Oak Hook-tip - Watsonalla binaria (Watsonalla binaria)

They really are very well camouflaged, aren't they.

A great picture this Clive, thanks.

Excellent find and photo!!!!!!!!

I too had a night dominated by Yellow Underwings when I borrowed your trap! Mum is still getting over it. Nice picture, Clive
JMH

Through your posts I am getting to understand why I don't see many moths during the day (lol). Another brilliant cryptic species. Excellent work Clive!!!

Thanks for the positive comments.

Oak is the larval foodplant for this species and colour-wise a dead oak leaf seems to provide a cryptic background, but of course this individual, having been attracted to the light trap, had little choice in the matter! I wonder if, when choosing a day-time resting place, the wavy rear edge of the wings, together with the 'hook-tips' might in nature be aligned along the leaf edge, but finding one of these in the day must be a once-in-a-lifetime event, unless they've been bred in suitably furnished cages!

Roy Leverton, in 'Enjoying Moths', suggests that the Hook-tips as a group may benefit in the predator-avoidance stakes because their shape does not fit the usual 'search image'. (If you are interested in moths and also want to see some inspirational pictures do get hold of a copy.)