70.239 BF1919 - Purple Thorn - Geometridae - Selenia tetralunaria

70.239 BF1919 - Geometridae - Ennominae - Selenia tetralunaria - Purple Thorn

Adult Macro: CAT 2 - Can be confused with other species -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Generally Common / Widespread

Taxonomy: Macro >> Geometridae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.

ID pointers: When at rest holds its wings naturally open and upwards, with a slight angular twist at the wing tips. Distinguished by a dark central spot on the upper hind wing. Also two pale and prominent crescent-shaped lunules on upper and under surfaces of the fore and hind wings. There is a large pale creamy-brown panel that contrasts with a dark purple-brown panel on the upper wing surfaces.

Distribution: Uncommon and locally distributed in Derbyshire. Found almost exclusively in the south of the county. At some locations in the south, it can be attracted to light in large numbers.

Flight Period: April / May / June / - On the wing April – June

Moth Activity: Nocturnal

Wingspan: 30-38mm
Forewing: 17-23mm

Food Plant: Broadleaved trees Hazel, birches.

Recorded dates for Common [Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

Purple Thorn – Selenia tetralunaria