Thorns.

Purple Thorn, Selenia tetralunaria.  Hayes, 30 July 2016.

I think that Thorns are the most photogenic of British moths, and the Purple Thorn probably the most lovely of them.   Here are some Thorns.  Some of them have probably been posted before, but it's worth seeing them together.

Early Thorn, Selenia dentaria.  Hayes, 4 August 2016.

The Early Thorn comes twice a year, in April and May, and again in August and September.  This is because it can go through its complete life cycle twice a year.  Unlike other Thorns, it typically poses with its wings tight together above its back, like a butterfly.

Canary-shouldered Thorn, Ennomos alniaria.  Hayes, 20 July 2017.

The Canary-shouldered Thorn is named for the bright yellow furry appearance of its head and thorax.

Feathered Thorn, Colotois pennaria.  Hayes, 14 November 2015.

The Feathered Thorn, a later arrival than most, likes to lie flat.

Little Thorn, Cepphis advenaria.  Oldbury Hill, 10 June 2012.

I saw this Little Thorn on a mothing trip to an old wood at Oldbury Hill.

August Thorn, Ennomos quercinaria.  Hayes, 25 July 2016.

The August Thorn sometimes also lies flat like the Feathered Thorn.

Dusky Thorn, Ennomos fuscantaria.  Hayes, 3 September 2014.

But the Dusky Thorn, like the pettiest Thorns, holds its wings cocked at an angle.  In fact I'll show that more clearly:

Dusky Thorn, Ennomos fuscantaria.  Hayes, 3 September 2014.

Like so!

But I will finish with another shot of my favourite.

Purple Thorn, Selenia tetralunaria.  Hayes, 30 July 2016.

In photography, it's easy for surrounding objects to reflect their colours onto the subject of the photo and distort subtle shades.  That's why I try to use neutral grey egg boxes in my traps.  Moths photographed inside my wooden trap or on pieces of bark suffer from this.  This last photo does not have a pretty background, but the clear plastic allows the true colours of the moth's wings to show up.  It's easy to lose that light mauve shade that gives this Purple Thorn its name.