The Spinach
Eulithis mellinata
This record describes Eulithis mellinata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-30 mm. The straw yellow wing bears a darker central band with one large tooth like projection on the outer edge. The wing fringes are chequered. Found in suburban areas as well as woodland and similar habitats. The adults fly from June to August in a single generation. This species feeds on various Ribes species, such as Red Currant and Black Currant It is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Eulithis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in suburban areas as well as woodland and similar habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from June to August in a single generation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species feeds on various Ribes species, such as Red Currant and Black Currant
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. 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 mellinata. 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 The Spinach (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Spinach
What is The Spinach?
The Spinach (Eulithis mellinata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Spinach found?
Habitat: Found in suburban areas as well as woodland and similar habitats.
When is The Spinach active?
The Spinach: seasonal activity - The adults fly from June to August in a single generation..
What is the life cycle of a The Spinach?
This species feeds on various Ribes species, such as Red Currant and Black Currant