1919 Selenia tetralunaria (Purple Thorn)

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan: 34-46mm.

A common species occurring throughout the UK, but more likely to be found in open broadleaf woodland. It occurs mostly in central or to the east of Cornwall. Its wing patterns are very similar to the other members of this Genus, but the ground colour is a distinctive almost white with a hint of purple, with much darker purple-brown markings. As with the others, there are dark wing-tip areas appropriate to their colour shades. At rest this species hold their wings in a partially opened stance which looks quite attractive. Amazingly, the larvae are possibly some of the ugliest individuals around, looking like swollen twiglets when resting. They are masters of camouflage. See my "Rearing Cornwall Moths" album in my pages here.

The UK flight season is indicated as April / May with a second generation in July / August in the South. In Cornwall, they are usually earlier, occurring March to May, and again July to August, with occasional individuals appearing in September and October.