Northern Spinach
Eulithis populata
This record describes Eulithis populata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 32 mm.This species shows a range of colour forms, with generally darker specimens further north. It inhabits peat moorland and grassland. There is one generation, with the moths flying in July and August. Distributed throughout Britain, including the very north of Scotland, though less common in the south and east. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Eulithis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits peat moorland and grassland.
Seasonal Activity
There is one generation, with the moths flying in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Bilberry.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed throughout Britain, including the very north of Scotland, though less common in the south and east. 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 Eulithis populata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Spinach
What is Northern Spinach?
Northern Spinach (Eulithis populata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Northern Spinach found?
Habitat: It inhabits peat moorland and grassland.
When is Northern Spinach active?
Northern Spinach: seasonal activity - There is one generation, with the moths flying in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Northern Spinach?
The larvae feed on Bilberry.