SCIENTIFIC NAME: EULITHIS MELLINATA
VERNACULAR NAME: SPINACH

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan 26-30 mm. The first thing you notice about this moth is the unique resting position. The abdomen is curled up and so are the leading edges of the forewings making it readily identifiable bar a couple of other species. The straw coloured forewings have a broad central cross-band that has a prominent central projection towards the outer edge. The outer edges of all wings are chequered.
CHRYSALIS Found among spun leaves on the ground.
LARVA Green with white lines and feeds on black and red currant.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light.
HABITAT Woodland, parks and gardens.
FLIGHT PERIOD Single brooded. June to August.
STATUS Common and widespread throughout England and Wales but rare in Scotland.

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