The Streak
Chesias legatella
This record describes Chesias legatella (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30 to 35 mm. This species has a distinctive resting posture, with the long narrow wings held tent-like over the back. The caterpillars are very similar to the Broom-tip, but are found earlier in the year on Broom Areas where Broom (the larval foodplant) occurs. It is quite a late species in the season, flying in September and October. Found throughout most of Britain in any habitat where the foodplant occurs. 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
- Chesias
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Broom (the larval foodplant) occurs.
Seasonal Activity
It is quite a late species in the season, flying in September and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on Broom.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found throughout most of Britain in any habitat where the foodplant occurs. 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 Chesias legatella. 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 Streak (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Streak
What is The Streak?
The Streak (Chesias legatella) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Streak found?
Habitat: Areas where Broom (the larval foodplant) occurs.
When is The Streak active?
The Streak: seasonal activity - It is quite a late species in the season, flying in September and October..
What is the life cycle of a The Streak?
Larvae feed on Broom.