70.239 BF1919

Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria

(Hufnagel, 1767)

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Wingspan 30-38 mm.

Like the Early Thorn (S. dentaria), this species produces two generations except in the northern extreme of its range, producing smaller and paler individuals in late summer.

The two broods fly in April and May, then in July and August. Where there is only one generation, the moths are out in May.

Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy areas, 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.

The caterpillars feed on a range of deciduous trees.