Feathered Thorn

The Feathered Thorn is unlike any other moth likely to be flying very late in the year. The rich reddish-brown adults rest with wings flat and have a slightly hooked tip to the forewing, males have broadly feathered antennae.

Can occasionally be found below trees and bushes or low on trunks, the male is often seen on the wing after dark and comes to light, often in numbers, usually several hours after dusk. Females are seen less frequently.

Winter is spent as an egg on the foodplant before caterpillars then emerge in the spring and can be seen between April and June. Pupates just below the ground.

Flight Season

Flies from mid-September to early December in one generation.

Size and Family

• Family – Ennominae
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 35-45mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Caterpillars feed on a variety of broadleaved trees, including Birch (Betula), Hazel (Corylus), Hawthorn (Crataegus), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Dog-rose (Rosa canina), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Black-poplar (Populus nigra) and Elms (Ulmus).

Habitat

Can be found in broadleaved woodland, parks and gardens but less so in urban areas.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Common and well-distributed