70.275 Common Heath Copyright Martin Evans
70.275 Common Heath female Copyright Martin Evans
70.275 Common Heath female Copyright Martin Evans
70.275 Common Heath and Netted Mountain Moth Copyright Martin Evans
70.275 Common Heath and Latticed Heath Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 70.275 Common Heath Copyright Martin Evans

Geometridae

70.275 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Netted Mountain Moth Macaria carbonaria is smaller (10 to 11mm) and does not have the central bands converging at the trailing edge. The males have narrower antennae. Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata has dark veins that give it the latticed wings. It rests with its wings raised rather than flat and males have simple rather than feathered antennae.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Mainly acid heathland and moorland. In a few areas on calcareous grassland, other unimproved grasslands and in woodland rides.

Habits: The moth is active during the day and is easily found in larger areas of heathland and moorland.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Heather, Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath and trefoils, vetches and clovers. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon in the leaf litter or just under the soil surface.