Watsonalla uncinulla (Borkhausen, 1790) Species
Last modified: Oct. 10, 2025, 6:03 p.m.
New to Belgium in 2025 at WV.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Drepanidae > Subfamily: Drepaninae > Genus: Watsonalla > Species: Watsonalla uncinulla
- Vernacular names
- Spiny Hook-tip (EN)
- Status
-
Migrant
A Mediterranean species that has wandered north in recent times.
For your information, to the best of our knowledge, the first Belgian observations are listed here:
1) 1 ♂ on 03.x.2025 at het Zwin at Knokke (WV), leg. & gen. det. J. Buckens.
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 25–42 mm. Very similar to Watsonalla binaria, but this species is on average smaller. It has a more or less extensive dark area along the concave outer forewing tip, rather than 1 to 3 defined dark black dashes, and some whitish flash next to it.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Bionomics
The larvae live freely on the leaves and later pupate in a tightly spun oak leaf. Adults come to light.
Flight periods
The adults are on the wing from May to October.
Observed on
- Host plant (genera):
- Quercus
- Substrates:
- Deciduous trees
The larva is polyphagous on Fagaceae, mostly on Quercus, and sometimes on Fagus, infrequently on Alnus, and Betula.
Habitat
It inhabits woodland, parkland, and gardens.
