70.091 Northern Spinach Copyright Martin Evans
70.091 Northern Spinach Copyright Martin Evans
70.091 Northern Spinach Copyright Martin Evans
70.091 Northern Spinach female Copyright Martin Evans
70.091 Northern Spinach and Dark Spinach Copyright Martin Evans
70.091 Northern Spinach and Chevron Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 70.091 Northern Spinach Copyright Martin Evans

Geometridae

70.091 Northern Spinach Eulithis populata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Dark Spinach Pelurga comitata has a single rather than double projection on the outer edge of the cross-band. Chevron Eulithis testata has a deep indentation to the inside of the wing bar and the outer edge runs straight from the leading edge to its widest point, rather than forming a double projection. It also has a variable amount of white scales scattered across the wing, especially in the outer areas.

Forewing: 13 to 18mm

Habitats: Mountain moorland, upland open woodland and heathland.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day from low vegetation, bushes or boulders. It flies from dusk and later can be found in large numbers perched on the Heather and Bilberry. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Bilberry. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon on the foodplant or in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Bog Bilberry, Aspen and sallows.