Early Thorn
Selenia dentaria
This record describes Selenia dentaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28-40 mm. The moths in the summer brood are normally paler. Melanic forms occur fairly regularly in parts of northern England. Resting position also distinguishes Early Thorn from all other British Thorns. It holds its wings up over its back and pressed together like a butterfly. There are two distinct generations (except in the far north), the first of which flies in April and May. The summer brood, which appears in August and September, usually produces smaller and paler moths. The larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees. Commonly distributed throughout Britain, though less so in Scotland. 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
- Selenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring in a wide range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
There are two distinct generations (except in the far north), the first of which flies in April and May. The summer brood, which appears in August and September, usually produces smaller and paler moths.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Commonly distributed throughout Britain, though less so in Scotland. 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 Selenia dentaria. 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 Early Thorn (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Thorn
What is Early Thorn?
Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Early Thorn found?
Habitat: Occurring in a wide range of habitats.
When is Early Thorn active?
Early Thorn: seasonal activity - There are two distinct generations (except in the far north), the first of which flies in April and May. The summer brood, which appears in August and September, usually produces smaller and paler moths..
What is the life cycle of a Early Thorn?
The larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees.