Prev Flights Rec Search
Lunar Thorn
Selenia lunularia (Hübner, 1788)
Geometridae: Ennominae
1918 / 70.238
Photo © Ben Sale,  Las Descargues, Terrou, SW France (11/08/17)

Similar Herts & Middlesex Species
Purple Thorn
Selenia tetralunaria
Forewing: 16-22mm.
Flight: One generation May-June.
Foodplant:   Ash, Blackthorn, Dog-rose other broadleaved trees.
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Former Status: Local (Immigrant)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2

General comments:
Extinct resident - posssibly immigrant.

Plant (2021) mentions 136 records in the database, almost all were made prior to 1980, with just 6 added in the 1990s and a further 8 in the 2000s, the last being in 2009, which we take as the last year of certain residency. This reflects a wider loss from central and eastern England which took place in the 1970s. Occasionally it might turn up as an immigrant, but as a resident it is certainly now lost from the Hertfordshire and Middlesex fauna.

Recorded in 16 (39%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1887.
Last Recorded in 2023.

Latest Records
Date#VC10k - General Area
18/05/2023120TL30 - Hoddesdon / Cheshunt
02/06/2021120TL31 - Hertford
2009120TL23 - Letchworth / Baldock
27/05/2006420TL30 - Hoddesdon / Cheshunt
05/06/2004120TL30 - Hoddesdon / Cheshunt
30/05/2003120TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
30/05/2003120TL12 - Hitchin (S) / Whitwell
30/05/2003120TL12 - Hitchin (S) / Whitwell
30/05/2003120TL30 - Hoddesdon / Cheshunt
20/05/2000120TL30 - Hoddesdon / Cheshunt
Further info: Selenia lunularia
 
UK Moths
Mothdissection UK
Lepiforum.de Herts & Middlesex Moths (Full)
Back Record Home
iMoths V11.0 HD © Jim Wheeler 2025