1917 Selenia dentaria (Early Thorn)

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan 28-46mm.

A commonly occurring species throughout the UK, and widespread in Cornwall. Characteristically, it rests with its wings together butterfly fashion, and only on rare occasions would a glimpse of the upper side of the wings be visible, usually as it is fluttering around. This picture is one of those instances which has frozen the view to see it. One of the darker species of "Thorn", particularly because of the underside, it is unmistakable.

As its common name implies, this is one of the first moth species appearing in, or even before, the early Spring. It has at least two generations each year. The UK flight season is quoted as mid February to May, and again in July to September, but in Cornwall individuals are possible from January to November, with slightly reduced numbers in June.