Geometridae: Ennominae

1923 (ABH70.244) Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria, (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR07663

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
Female, Great Staughton, ex Larva
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 7th Nov. 2007. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 7th Nov. 2007. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood (female)
Monks Wood (female)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex fem Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 25-10-2021, light trap.. 5th instar.
ex fem Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 25-10-2021, light trap.. 5th instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
on Horse Chestnut, Great Staughton
on Horse Chestnut, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex fem. Whitelye Monmouthshire. 25-10-2021, light trap. 4th instar.
ex fem. Whitelye Monmouthshire. 25-10-2021, light trap. 4th instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. Whitelye Monmouthshire. 25-10-2021, light trap. Mid instar.
ex fem. Whitelye Monmouthshire. 25-10-2021, light trap. Mid instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 25-10-2021. 3rd instar.
ex fem Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 25-10-2021. 3rd instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes come to light, males more often than females.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 19-23mm.
Foodplant(s): oaks (Quercus spp.), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Dog-rose (Rosa canina), birches (Betula spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Black Poplar (Populus nigra), elms (Ulmus spp.), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, mid September-early December
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, parks and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 87 (32.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in November 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 06 July to 30 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 30 April to 11 June

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Scalloped Oak Crocallis elinguaria
Reared from larva 1st June 1995.
Reared from larva 1st June 1995.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Orange Moth Angerona prunaria


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Grey, brown, black, yellow, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2