The Spinach - Eulithis mellinata

Alternative names
Spinach Moth
Description

Wingspan 27-30 mm. The straw yellow wing bears a darker central band with one large tooth like projection on the outer edge. The wing fringes are chequered.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found in suburban areas as well as woodland and similar habitats.

When to see it

The adults fly from June to August in a single generation.

Life History

This species feeds on various Ribes species, such as Red Currant and Black Currant

UK Status

It is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
70.092 BF1757

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
The Spinach, Spinach
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Geometridae
Records on NatureSpot:
13
First record:
03/07/2010 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
22/06/2023 (Hague, John)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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