August Thorn
Ennomos quercinaria
This record describes Ennomos quercinaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 42 to 50 mm. One of several similar 'Thorns', the adults of this species can be distinguished by the shape of the cross-lines on the forewing. The inner line is distinctly curved, and the outer line has a 'kink' where it meets the leading edge. It is very similar to the September Thorn. Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish them is that the September Thorn has all-yellow legs whilst the August Thorn has 'knee socks' where the lower part of the legs is whitish. The August Thorn also has the line nearest the base of the wing acutely angled at the costa whilst this is almost straight in the September Thorn. It inhabits woodland and suburban habitats. Flying in August and September, the species is often attracted to light. The foodplants are trees such as Oak (Quercus) and Beech (Fagus). It can be found locally throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Ennomos
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland and suburban habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in August and September, the species is often attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The foodplants are trees such as Oak (Quercus) and Beech (Fagus).
Additional species information
Recorded status
It can be found locally throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ennomos quercinaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of August Thorn (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About August Thorn
What is August Thorn?
August Thorn (Ennomos quercinaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is August Thorn found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland and suburban habitats.
When is August Thorn active?
August Thorn: seasonal activity - Flying in August and September, the species is often attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a August Thorn?
The foodplants are trees such as Oak (Quercus) and Beech (Fagus).