Common Heath
Ematurga atomaria
This record describes Ematurga atomaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22 to 30 mm.This is a rather variable species. Inhabiting heaths, moorland and open woodland. It appears in May and June, sometimes again in August in the south and flies during the day, sometimes abundantly in sunshine. The caterpillars, which are equally variable, feed on heather, heath and clovers. It is common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Ematurga atomaria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ematurga atomaria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometer Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Boarmiini
- Genus
- Ematurga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting heaths, moorland and open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
It appears in May and June, sometimes again in August in the south and flies during the day, sometimes abundantly in sunshine.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars, which are equally variable, feed on heather, heath and clovers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ematurga atomaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Heath (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Heath
What is Common Heath?
Common Heath (Ematurga atomaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Common Heath found?
Habitat: Inhabiting heaths, moorland and open woodland.
When is Common Heath active?
Common Heath: seasonal activity - It appears in May and June, sometimes again in August in the south and flies during the day, sometimes abundantly in sunshine..
What is the life cycle of a Common Heath?
The caterpillars, which are equally variable, feed on heather, heath and clovers.