Chinese Character

Common and widespread throughout Kent, this diminutive moth is intricately marked and always a pleasure to see.

Given our proximity to the continent, one to watch out for is Cilix hispanica which is an altogether cleaner, whiter moth. Notably, on&nbsp;hispanica the 'Chinese character' mark is against a white background, whereas in (our) Chinese Character, that mark is illuminated by a dark background. C. hispanica also lacks such a dark mark on top of the head, but otherwise could easily be overlooked. See <a href="http://lepiforum.org/wiki/page/Cilix_hispanica">Lepiforum for more images</a>.

Pebble Hook-tip

Common and widespread in Kent (there are even records from Sheppey!), this distinctive moth can be found between April and September, mostly in woodland with plenty of Birch (and occasionally Alder), but also in gardens where Birch exists. 

Dusky Hook-tip and Scarce Hook-tip can appear similar, but Pebble Hook-tip has a fairly diagnostic, 'pebble-shaped' central forewing spot which often appears to have the peace symbol within it.  It also has a purple-ish hue within the hooked tips of the the forewings, which can cause misplaced excitement being directed towards the possibility of Dusky Hook-tip.

Scarce Hook-tip

New to Kent prize still up for grabs on this species!  Currently only found in the Wye Valley (Gloucs/Monmouthshire borders - not Wye in Kent).  It has also been recorded as a suspected migrant in Sussex and Jersey. 

 A distinctive species with a more deeply hooked tip than the other Hook-tips and has an additional protrusion halfway along the forewing making almost a 'double' Hook-tip.  In addition to this, it has diagnostic lilac and black markings in the hook of the wing tips.

Kent Moth Group

Scarce Hook-tip

Sabra harpagula

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