The Moths of Suffolk
1960 Early Moth, Theria primaria, (Haworth, 1809)
National Status : Common

Local Status : Resident (SMP Status 1)

Distribution and abundance : Widespread but infrequent

Habitats : Open woodland areas, scrub and hedgerows

Flight Period : Single-brooded; January to early March

Larval foodplants : Blackthorn and hawthorns

Comments : Possibly under-recorded due to its early emergence

Final Catalogue : Abundant everywhere from Bentley Woods to Gorleston. Frequently at Monks Soham light in early March.

Wingspan details : Forewing 14-17mm, Wingspan male 32-37mm, female 9-11mm

Identification

Confusion species
    AdultSloe Carpet, Aleucis distinctata

Compare confusion species
    Adult

See Also :

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Eye (29.i.2005) © Paul Kitchener

Flight chart
JFMAMJJASOND
26 100 17 4

Life history chart
JFMAMJJASOND
imago imago ova larva larva pupa pupa pupa pupa pupa pupa pupa

Further Photographs

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Ipswich, Suffolk (i.2005) © N Sherman
Eye (9.ii.2002) © Paul Kitchener
Thetford, Norfolk (6.ii.2006) © Lee Gregory
 
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Male and female found at night by torchlight on a Blackthorn bush - Ipswich, Suffolk (5.ii.2010) © Neil Sherman
Female found at night by torchlight on a Blackthorn bush - Ipswich, Suffolk (5.ii.2010) © Neil Sherman
Female found at night by torchlight on a Blackthorn bush - Ipswich, Suffolk (5.ii.2010) © Neil Sherman
 
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Found floating on water in pond - Belton, Suffolk (1.iii.2010) © K Knights