Early Moth
Common NameEarly Moth
Scientific NameThera obeliscata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey-brown
HabitatConiferous woodlands, forests, gardens, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa, introduced to North America
Host Plantspine, spruce, fir
Flight PeriodMay to July, August to October (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with pale stripes, feeding on conifer needles. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among needles or on the ground, with the species overwintering as an egg or pupa.
Identification TipsLook for mottled brown forewings with two distinct dark crosslines and a small central discal spot. Its characteristic triangular resting posture is also a key feature, though it can be confused with other *Thera* species.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown forewings, often displaying darker crosslines and a small discal spot, resting with its wings held in a triangular shape.
