Dry-country Heath Moth
Common NameDry-country Heath Moth
Scientific NameEmaturga atomaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatHeathland, moorland, grassland, open woodland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, broom, gorse, birch, willow
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of heathland plants. They overwinter as pupae in the soil or leaf litter, emerging as adults in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its highly variable but characteristic mottled brown and grey pattern, often with a dark discal spot and wavy cross-lines on the forewings. Males typically have strongly pectinate (comb-like) antennae.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring irregular dark patches, and plainer, slightly lighter hindwings. The overall pattern provides excellent camouflage.
