SCIENTIFIC NAME: SELENIA DENTARIA
VERNACULAR NAME: EARLY THORN

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan 20-40mm.  The main diagnostic feature is the resting position which is similar to that of most butterflies with the wings held upright together above the body. The wings are marked with dark and pale cross lines and several smudged tawny areas of varying shades. The jagged edge is typical of this group of moths.
CHRYSALIS Located within leaves that have been spun together.
LARVA Brown and twig like feeding on a variety of deciduous trees.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light.
HABITAT Deciduous woodland, parks and gardens.
FLIGHT PERIOD Double brooded.  March to September.   
STATUS Resident.  Common less so in Scotland.

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