Geometridae: Ennominae

1914 (ABH70.235) Dusky Thorn Ennomos fuscantaria, (Haworth, 1809)

KR07635

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Dusky Thorn
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Monks Wood. 6th Aug. 2008. MV trap. Male
Monks Wood. 6th Aug. 2008. MV trap. Male
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Llanbedr, Harlech, N Wales. 4th Sept. 2013. MV trap. Male.
near Llanbedr, Harlech, N Wales. 4th Sept. 2013. MV trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Llanbedr, Harlech, N Wales. 30th Aug. 2013. MV trap. Male
near Llanbedr, Harlech, N Wales. 30th Aug. 2013. MV trap. Male
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
near Llanfyllin, N. Powys. 18th Sept. 2015. MV trap. Female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem NW Wales (nr Fairbourne), Light trap 30th Aug. 2019. (pic. 10-07-2020)
ex fem NW Wales (nr Fairbourne), Light trap 30th Aug. 2019. (pic. 10-07-2020)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (1 of 2). (Pic 08-06-2020)
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (1 of 2). (Pic 08-06-2020)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (2 of 2). (Pic 08-06-2020)
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (2 of 2). (Pic 08-06-2020)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (green form). (Pic 08-06-2020)
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. Final instar. (green form). (Pic 08-06-2020)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. (pic 14.06.2020)
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. (pic 14.06.2020)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. (pic 14.06.2020). Note strong silk.
ex fem. NW Wales (nr. Fairbourne), 30th Aug. 2019. (pic 14.06.2020). Note strong silk.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in spun leaves.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 17-21mm.
Foodplant(s): Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Flying: One generation, July-October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 68 (25.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 30 June to 27 October

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Large Thorn Ennomos autumnaria
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, July 2008
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, July 2008
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
August Thorn Ennomos quercinaria
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria


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