Family Geometridae | Genus Selenia Rank Species | |
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Similar Selenia, Selenia dentaria, Scalloped oak, Ennomos, Brindled beauty | ||
Jojo s bizarre adventure stardust crusaders ost purple thorns
The purple thorn (Selenia tetralunaria) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a species of northern and central Europe. It has a scattered distribution in Britain but is absent from Ireland.
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This species is dark purplish-brown, paler towards the termen, with a dark spot at the apex of the forewing. Both wings are marked with a comma-shaped white mark. The margins of the wings are angular, giving the species a distinctive shape. Two broods are produced each year and they differ considerably in size and colour. Adults of the spring brood, which fly in April and May, have a wingspan of 46–52 mm. Moths of the summer brood, flying in July and August,[1] are smaller (wingspan 44–46 mm) and darker. The species flies at night and is attracted to light.
The caterpillar feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.