PURPLE THORN

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.''

Contents

Recorded food plants

References

Recorded food plants

★ ''Alnus'' - Alder

★ ''Betula'' - Birch

★ ''Fraxinus'' - European Ash

★ ''Malus'' - Apple

★ ''Populus'' - Black Poplar

★ ''Prunus''

★ ''Pyrus'' - Pear

★ ''Quercus'' - Oak

★ ''Rosa'' - Rose

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