Early Moth
Common NameEarly Moth
Scientific NameTheria rupicapraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna
Flight PeriodFebruary to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants in early spring, larvae feed on leaves, and pupation occurs in the soil, with the pupa overwintering.
Identification TipsKey features include its very early flight period (late winter/early spring), mottled grey-brown wings with two dark transverse bands, and the often flightless or short-winged female.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring two distinct darker transverse lines, providing excellent camouflage against bark or lichen.
