Geometridae : Ennominae
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Photo © Patrick Clement

Similar West Midlands Species
Purple Thorn
Selenia tetralunaria
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Lunar Thorn
Selenia lunularia

(Hübner, 1788) 1918 / 70.238

A rare and declining species. There are no recent records in Staffordshire.

A species of open woodland and scrub.

Overwinters as a pupa and adults come to light.

Note Easily confused with the much commoner Purple Thorn. The cross-line beyond the silvery discal spot is virtually straight and there is no dark spot near the outer edge of the upperside of the hindwing which is itself more deeply scalloped than in Purple Thorn.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 44 (31%) of 140 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1872.
Last Recorded in 2023.
(Data up to end 2023)
Additional Stats

Forewing: 16-22mm
Flight: May - June
Foodplant:   Ash, Blackthorn, Dog-rose other broadleaved trees
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Former Status: Local (Immigrant)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
< Early Thorn | Purple Thorn >
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records (data up to end 2023)
Date#VC10k Area
03/08/20231VC36 - HerefordshireSO54
25/05/20231VC36 - HerefordshireSO35
02/06/20221VC36 - HerefordshireSO35
25/05/2022+VC36 - HerefordshireSO34
20/05/20221VC36 - HerefordshireSO51

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