
Scalloped Oak
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 ti 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.
Flies from mid-September to early December in one generation.
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).
Can be found in broadleaved woodland, parks and gardens but less so in urban areas.
Feathered Thorn (male) - Iain Leach
Iain Leach
Feathered Thorn (female) - Peter Maton
Peter Maton
Feathered Thorn (male) - Iain Leach
Iain Leach
Feathered Thorn - Peter Maton
Peter Maton
Feathered Thorn - Stuart Read
Stuart Read
Feathered Thorn - Stuart Read
Stuart Read
Feathered Thorn (male) - Peter Maton
Peter Maton
Feathered Thorn - Ben Sale
Ben Sale
Feathered Thorn (male antennae) - Ben Sale
Ben Sale
Feathered Thorn (eggs) - Jérôme Albre
Jérôme Albre
Feathered Thorn (caterpillar) - Paul Davis
Paul Davis
Feathered Thorn (caterpillar) - Garry Barlow
Garry Barlow