Latticed Heath

The Latticed Heath (Semiothisa clathrata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout Europe, the Near East and North Africa. It is a fairly common species in the British Isles.

The wings are white or buff with a network of brown lines (hence its common name). These lines vary in thickness and sometimes the wings are almost entirely dark brown. One or two broods are produced each year and the adults can be seen at any time from May to September. This species flies during the day but also at night and is attracted to light.

The larva is green with white lines and feeds on various legumes such as clovers and lucerne. The species overwinters as a pupa.

References

• Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
• Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984