Geometridae: Ennominae

1952 (ABH70.275) Common Heath Ematurga atomaria, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR07804

Female, Carmarthenshire
Female, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Female, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Female, Carmarthenshire
Female, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Male, Carmarthenshire
Male, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Llanbedr Hill, Powys, Wales, April 2009 (female)
Llanbedr Hill, Powys, Wales, April 2009 (female)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Llanbedr Hill, Powys, Wales, April 2009 (male)
Llanbedr Hill, Powys, Wales, April 2009 (male)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Old Sulehay
Old Sulehay
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Exmoor, North Somerset. 22-05-2023.
Exmoor, North Somerset. 22-05-2023.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates on or under the ground.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: 12-15mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), trefoils (Lotus spp.), clovers (Trifolium spp.)
Flying: One generation, May-June
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heaths, moorland and open woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 24 (8.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 23 April to 30 August

Similar Species
Great Staughton, September 2011
Great Staughton, September 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, brown, grey
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2