Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Taken at Aston, Oxon., on April 21st 2025. (© David Hastings) (1/250th sec at f/10) DescriptionFamily: Geometridae (ABH : 70.237) Wing span: 28 - 46mm This moth rests with its wings held together over its back, like a butterfly. This distinguishes it from other thorns. It is found throughout the British Isles. Typical habitats are woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens. It overwinters as a pupa among plant debris. There are two generations in England and Wales (March to May and July to September), but only one in Scotland. Larvae feed on Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Alder, sallows, Honeysuckle and other woody broadleaved plants. It often comes to lighted windows, and is frequent in light-traps. Earliest UK sighting: 29th March ; Latest UK sighting: 3rd September Sightings
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