Geometridae

70.244 Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common

Similar species: If care is taken this moth should not be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 19 to 23mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub and gardens.

Habits: The male comes to light late in the evening. The female is only occasionally recorded at light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Pedunculate Oak, Hazel, Dog-rose, Crab Apple, Goat Willow, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, elms, Black Poplar, Wild Service-tree and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates just below the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Beech, Hornbeam, limes and Wych Elm.