Early Thorn
ExploreInsects
Early Thorn
Selenia dentaria
The Early Thorn is a special moth that looks like a little piece of bark! It has beautiful, soft wings that help it hide in trees and bushes during the day.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Early Thorn has jagged, thorn-like wings, usually pale yellow to reddish-brown with a distinct white or dark band across the forewings. This unique wing shape helps it blend seamlessly with dead leaves or twigs, making it hard to spot.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusSelenia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Early Thorns don't eat anything at all, they live off energy from their caterpillar days!
Early Thorns can have two generations in a year, one in spring and another in summer!
Its jagged wing edges perfectly mimic a broken twig, making it vanish!
This moth earned its name because it's one of the first moths seen in spring.
Special abilities
Ability
Twig Mimic
Early Thorn has jagged, thorn-shaped wings that help them perfectly camouflage against dead twigs and bark to hide from predators.
Ability
Seasonal Survivor
Early Thorn can overwinter as a pupa, protected in its cocoon, allowing them to emerge early in spring.
Ability
Two-Gen Moth
Early Thorn can complete its life cycle twice in one year, resulting in two generations of moths in spring and summer.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, but adult moths do not eat at all!
Age differences: Only caterpillars eat; adults do not feed, relying on energy stored from their larval stage.
Primary Foods
- Hawthorn leaves
- Birch leaves
- Oak leaves
- Hazel leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds prey on both caterpillars and adult moths.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Robins are common predators of many insects, including moths.
eats
Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this common tree.
eats
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
Young caterpillars consume the foliage of birch trees.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and might fly away quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Thorn's wingspan?
30-45 mm
How big is Early Thorn?
15-20 mm
How long does Early Thorn live?
7-14 days
What does Early Thorn eat?
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, but adult moths do not eat at all!
Where is Early Thorn usually found?
Forests
How does Early Thorn hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Early Thorn have?
6
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