Orange Moth - P. Clement 2021
Geometridae : Ennominae
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Selenia lunularia
Photo © Patrick Clement

Selenia lunularia Selenia lunularia Selenia lunularia Selenia lunularia Selenia lunularia

Similar West Midlands Species
Purple Thorn
Selenia tetralunaria
Selenia tetralunaria
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Lunar Thorn
Selenia lunularia

(Hübner, [1788]) 1918 / 70.238

A rare and declining species. There are no recent records in Staffordshire.

A species of open woodland and scrub.

Overwinters as a pupa and adults come to light.

Note Easily confused with the much commoner Purple Thorn. The cross-line beyond the silvery discal spot is virtually straight and there is no dark spot near the outer edge of the upperside of the hindwing which is itself more deeply scalloped than in Purple Thorn.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 45 (32%) of 140 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1872.
Last Recorded in 2024.
(Data up to end 2024)
Additional Stats

Forewing: 16-22mm
Flight: May - June
Foodplant:   Ash, Blackthorn, Dog-rose other broadleaved trees
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Former Status: Local (Immigrant)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
< Early Thorn | Purple Thorn >
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records (data up to end 2024)
Date#VC10k Area
01/06/2024+VC36 - HerefordshireSO36
03/05/20241VC40 - ShropshireSO58
03/08/20231VC36 - HerefordshireSO54
25/05/20231VC36 - HerefordshireSO35
02/06/20221VC36 - HerefordshireSO35

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