Purple Thorn
Selenia tetralunaria
This record describes Selenia tetralunaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-38 mm. The silvery crescent on purplish brown forewing is larger than on Lunar Thorn and it has a dark central spot towards outer edge of hindwing upperside. The late summer moths are paler. Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy areas. Where there are two broods they fly in April and May, then in July and August. Where there is only one generation, the moths are out in May. Like the Early Thorn this species produces two generations except in the northern extreme of its range, where there is only a May generation. This species is fairly common in southern England and Wales, becoming scarcer northwards into southern Scotland. There are only a handful of records from Ireland. 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
Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy areas.
Seasonal Activity
Where there are two broods they fly in April and May, then in July and August. Where there is only one generation, the moths are out in May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like the Early Thorn this species produces two generations except in the northern extreme of its range, where there is only a May generation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly common in southern England and Wales, becoming scarcer northwards into southern Scotland. There are only a handful of records from Ireland. 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 tetralunaria. 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 Purple Thorn (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Thorn
What is Purple Thorn?
Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Purple Thorn found?
Habitat: Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy areas.
When is Purple Thorn active?
Purple Thorn: seasonal activity - Where there are two broods they fly in April and May, then in July and August. Where there is only one generation, the moths are out in May..
What is the life cycle of a Purple Thorn?
Like the Early Thorn this species produces two generations except in the northern extreme of its range, where there is only a May generation.