More Thorns

Purple Thorn, Selenia tetralunaria.  Luxford Lane, Crowborough, 20 July 2017.

Thorns are STILL my favourite moths for looks.  They are gorgeous.  I've seen four species here in Crowborough, of which this Purple Thorn just makes the top of my chart.

Canary-shouldered Thorn, Ennomos alniaria. Luxford Lane, Crowborough, 22 July 2017.

Most people think this Canary-shouldered Thorn is the cutest.  They are indeed pretty, but they don't have the moody colour tones of the Purple.

Thorn caterpillars in general live in trees, and I am seeing quite a few tree eaters in my garden.

Dusky Thorn, Ennomos fuscantaria.  Luxford Lane, Crowborough, 22 July 2017.

The Dusky Thorn is less glamorous than the other thorns, and can look a little bruised.

Early Thorn, Selenia dentaria.  Luxford Lane, Crowborough, 3 and 8 July 2017.

Early Thorns come in two waves, two separate generations.  These are second generation specimens.  As you can see, there's a range of colour tones between different individuals, but they can be told from the other thorns by the way they hold their wings tight together, like butterflies.