Geometridae: Ennominae

1960 (ABH70.282) Early Moth Theria primaria, (Haworth, 1809)

KR07834

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood NNR, reared from larva (beating), May 2007. Pic.: 08-02-2008.
Monks Wood NNR, reared from larva (beating), May 2007. Pic.: 08-02-2008.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Flightless Female, Monks Wood NNR. Reared from larva (beating), May 2005. Pic.: 24-01-2008.
Flightless Female, Monks Wood NNR. Reared from larva (beating), May 2005. Pic.: 24-01-2008.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Flightless Female, Monks Wood NNR> reared from larva (beating) May 2007. Pic.: 28-01-2008.
Flightless Female, Monks Wood NNR> reared from larva (beating) May 2007. Pic.: 28-01-2008.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. By RIS trap. 16th Jan. 2007.
Monks Wood NNR. By RIS trap. 16th Jan. 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 18th February 2018. Light trap. Male..
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 18th February 2018. Light trap. Male..
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 31-01-2006. By light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 31-01-2006. By light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 24-01-2006. By light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 24-01-2006. By light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Green Form, Monks Wood
Green Form, Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Dark Form, Monks Wood
Dark Form, Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The female of this species is wingless.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Male comes to light occasionally. Female not.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.)
Flying: One generation, January-early March
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open woodland areas, scrub and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 37 (13.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 01 January to 16 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 06 May to 11 June

Similar Species
Old Hall Marshes, Essex. 13th April 2021.
Old Hall Marshes, Essex. 13th April 2021.
 Photo © Jonathan Newman
Sloe Carpet Aleucis distinctata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
White, green, grey, brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2