Dusky Thorn
Ennomos fuscantaria
This record describes Ennomos fuscantaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-40 mm. Generally distinguished by its resting position and by the mauvish grey or grey brown shading between the outer cross line and outer edge of wing. Shape of cross line on forewing slightly variable. The species is found in deciduous woods and their margins, and suburban habitats, where the larval foodplant, Ash grows. Overwinters as an egg usually in the larval stage early May to mid July. Distributed over England and Wales, this moth can be reasonably common in the southern part of its range, but scarcer further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
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
The species is found in deciduous woods and their margins, and suburban habitats, where the larval foodplant, Ash grows.
Seasonal Activity
It flies from August to early October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an egg usually in the larval stage early May to mid July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed over England and Wales, this moth can be reasonably common in the southern part of its range, but scarcer further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ennomos fuscantaria. 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 Dusky Thorn (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky Thorn
What is Dusky Thorn?
Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dusky Thorn found?
Habitat: The species is found in deciduous woods and their margins, and suburban habitats, where the larval foodplant, Ash grows.
When is Dusky Thorn active?
Dusky Thorn: seasonal activity - It flies from August to early October..
What is the life cycle of a Dusky Thorn?
Overwinters as an egg usually in the larval stage early May to mid July.