EARLY THORN
SELENIA DENTARIA
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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