A Mediterranean species that has been moving north on the continent in recent years, and was discovered on Guernsey on 14/07/2023, based on photographs was present since at least May 2020. Having been alerted of the possibility this species may have reached England, the first individuals were found at light in Rodborough, Gloucestershire (where it has likely been present since 2021) and another near Cardiff in Glamorgan, both on the night of 07/10/2023. These have been followed by individuals in Bristol and Somerset.
Very similar to
Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria which is generally smaller (13 to 17mm vs a max of 23mm for
uncinula) and has a diffused dark area from the hooked tip along the concaved outer forewing, rather than two or three defined dark dashes of the present species. The wing-tip is yellowish adjacent to the dark area, rather than having white scales. Some female Oak Hook-tips have large, less diffused markings along the outer curvature of the wing, but not just two or three short dashes.
Foodplant: In Europe the larva feeds on the leaves of Holm Oak, probably other oaks and occasionally Silver Birch.