Brown-tipped Thorn
Common NameBrown-tipped Thorn
Scientific NameEnnomos alniaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)43
Primary Colorsyellow, brown, dark brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsalder, birch, oak, willow, poplar, hawthorn, hazel
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'looper' caterpillars, typical of the Geometridae family, and are well-camouflaged to resemble twigs. They feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs before pupating in a cocoon among leaves.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the deeply scalloped or jagged wing edges, especially the pointed forewing apex, and the mottled yellow-brown coloration with a distinct dark brown patch at the forewing tip. It typically rests with its wings held flat.
Description
A medium-sized moth with distinctively jagged wing margins, giving it a 'thorn-like' appearance. Its forewings are mottled yellow-brown with darker brown markings and a prominent dark brown tip at the apex.
