Purple Thorn - Selenia tetralunaria

Wingspan 30-38 mm. The silvery crescent on purplish brown forewing is larger than on Lunar Thorn and it has a dark central spot towards outer edge of hindwing upperside. The late summer moths are paler.

Occupying woodland, heathland and other bushy areas.

Where there are two broods they fly in April and May, then in July and August. Where there is only one generation, the moths are out in May.

Like the Early Thorn this species produces two generations except in the northern extreme of its range, where there is only a May generation.

This species is fairly common in southern England and Wales, becoming scarcer northwards into southern Scotland. There are only a handful of records from Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)