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Mila'sExotic Plants & CuriositiesA living collection by Luminary OdditiesLuminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Cilix glaucata
Lepidoptera / Drepanidae
Cilix glaucata combines white wings, dark blotches and a steeply folded resting posture that resembles a bird dropping. This small drepanid lives around shrubs and woodland, with hawthorn and blackthorn providing its principal larval foliage.
Read the species account
White forewings have an inner-margin dark patch, a small yellow mark and a grey central blotch containing a white figure. Steeply arched resting wings complete the bird-dropping resemblance. [2]
The range extends from North Africa through Europe and western Asia towards the Himalaya and China, in scrub, open woodland, dunes and gardens. [2]
Northern Irish records are more widespread in southern counties than in the north. [1]
Dutch populations produce two or three generations from late April to early September. Caterpillars occur from May into early October; pupae overwinter in cocoons among leaves, on bark or in litter. [2]
Hawthorn and blackthorn are principal hosts; bramble, apple and pear are also recorded in Northern Ireland. [1]
Adults come to light at night. Disturbed resting moths often drop deeper into the foliage rather than fly. [1]
Reddish-brown caterpillars bear fine dark lines and swollen second and third segments, narrowing towards a speckled tail. Mature larvae reach approximately 12 mm. [2]
“Chinese Character” refers to the white central forewing figure. Glaucata refers to bluish-grey metallic scales in that area. [2]
Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.
Thompson and Nelson; National Museums Northern Ireland · Accessed 2026-10-13
De Vlinderstichting · Accessed 2026-10-13
Ian Kimber, UKMoths · Accessed 2026-10-13
Sources checked 2026-10-13. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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