Chris69

thanks for the replies . Having a name meas i have been able to fnd out a little more. I think we are safe to say your identification is correct:

'It is a rare species, only occurring in parts of the southernmost counties where oak woodlands abound, and is on the wing during July and August.'

we did indeed find it in oak woodland in the south of the UK.

https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/catoc...

thanks for your help, will have a look at the moths of the world misson.