Geometridae: Larentiinae

1757 (ABH70.092) Spinach Eulithis mellinata, (Fabricius, 1787)

KR08334

 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards


General Information

Pupates in spun leaves on the food plant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 16-18mm.
Foodplant(s): Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)
Flying: One generation, mid June-late August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Suburban areas, woodland and rough grassy areas.

Regional Information

Recorded in 43 (15.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2019

Recorded date range (Adult): 05 June to 01 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 05 July to 05 July

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Dark Spinach Pelurga comitata
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Chevron Eulithis testata
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Barred Straw Gandaritis pyraliata (=Eulithis)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, yellow, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2