Geometridae

70.237 Early Thorn Selenia dentaria (Fabricius, 1775)

Common

Similar species: This moth can be distinguished by its resting posture, with its wings held tightly pressed together vertically over its body.

Forewing: 14 to 23mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, oaks, sallows, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Alder, Bog Myrtle, Honeysuckle and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates amongst leaves on the foodplant or in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Norway Maple, Grey Alder, Bird Cherry, Rowan, Purging Buckthorn, Raspberry, Labrador Tea, Bilberry, Heather and Meadowsweet.