Geometridae: Ennominae

1918 (ABH70.238) Lunar Thorn Selenia lunularia, (Hübner, [1788])

KR07642

Coed y Llechau Llanbedr
Coed y Llechau Llanbedr
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Coed y Llechau Llanbedr
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Ross of Mull
Ross of Mull
 Photo © Brian Stone


General Information

The name of this species comes from the moon-shaped white mark on the wings, although other thorns have similar markings.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 16-22mm.
Foodplant(s): Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Dog-rose (Rosa canina), birches (Betula spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), broadleaved trees
Flying: One/two generations, May-June and July-August
UK Presence: Resident, Possible Immigrant
National status: Local

Habitat

Open woodland and scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 9 (3.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 1987

Recorded date range (Adult): 14 May to 13 July

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Brown, green
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2