Wingspan 18-22 mm. This unusual-looking moth combines its wing-pattern and resting posture to give the appearance of a bird-dropping, thus avoiding the attention of hungry birds.

Found in hedgerows, gardens and woodland.

It has two generations in the year, May and June, then again in August, when the adults can be attracted by light.

Larva feeds on Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Crab Apple, overwintering as a pupa.

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, becoming more scarce in the far north of Britain.

Generally common in VC55.