Geometridae

70.088 Netted Carpet Eustroma reticulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

RDB

Similar species: Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata is superficially similar until put along side this moth.

Forewing: 13 to 14mm

Habitats: Damp woodland, stream margins and damp flushes in dappled shade. Minor soil disturbance is required to encourage the annual foodplant to grow.

Habits: The moth flies over the foodplants at dusk then rests on them. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Touch-me-not Balsam. It eats holes in the leaves then rests along the mid-vein under a leaf in the day. It later bores into the seed pods and rests at the base of the flower stems. In captivity it will accept Orange Balsam and the pods (only) of Indian Balsam. It pupates in a brown cocoon on the soil surface near the plant base.