Purple Thorn
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| Selenia tetralunaria Hufnagel, 1767 |
The Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a species of northern and central Europe. It has a scattered distribution in Britain but is absent from Ireland.
This species is dark purplish-brown, paler towards the termen, with a dark spot at the apex of the forewing. Both wings are marked with a comma-shaped white mark. The margins of the wings are angular, giving the species a distinctive shape. Two broods are produced each year and they differ considerably in size and colour. Adults of the spring brood, which fly in April and May, have a wingspan of 46-52 mm. Moths of the summer brood, flying in July and August , are smaller (wingspan 44-46 mm) and darker. The species flies at night and is attracted to light.
The larva feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.
- ↑ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
[edit] Recorded food plants
- Alnus - Alder
- Betula - Birch
- Fraxinus - European Ash
- Malus - Apple
- Populus - Black Poplar
- Prunus
- Pyrus - Pear
- Quercus - Oak
- Rosa - Rose
[edit] References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
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