Eulithis mellinata
(Fabricius, 1787)
The Spinach
Eulithis mellinata, commonly known as The Spinach, is a in the Geometridae. Its distribution across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions is patchy and locally restricted due to dependence on a specialized larval food plant. The is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. are and attracted to light.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eulithis mellinata: /juˈlɪθɪs mɛlɪˈnɑːtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Eulithis by the combination of yellowish-brown forewings with a prominent dark central spot and wavy transverse lines. Eulithis populata (The Northern Spinach) is similar but tends to have more greyish coloration and occurs in different . Examination of genitalia may be required for definitive identification in some cases.
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Habitat
Associated with supporting its larval food plant, including woodland edges, hedgerows, and rough grassland. In Britain, found in lowland areas with suitable plant availability.
Distribution
Present across the Palearctic region including Europe and northern Asia (excluding China), and in North America. In Europe, widespread but locally distributed; common in England and Wales, rare in Scotland and Ireland. Records from Belgium including Brussels-Capital and Flemish regions.
Seasonality
fly from June to August in the British Isles, with peak activity in July. Single-brooded.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and related Chenopodiaceae .
Host Associations
- Spinacia oleracea - larval food plantSpecialized dependency; derives from this association
- Chenopodiaceae - larval food plantBroader level association
Life Cycle
Single per year. laid on plant. Larvae feed on leaves of spinach and related . occurs in soil or leaf litter. emerge in summer.
Behavior
are and attracted to light. Larvae feed openly on plant foliage.
Ecological Role
Herbivore; larvae function as folivores on Chenopodiaceae. Serves as prey for various including birds and bats.
Human Relevance
Larvae may be a minor pest in spinach . Otherwise of limited economic significance. Occasionally encountered by gardeners and agricultural .
Similar Taxa
- Eulithis populataSimilar size and wing pattern, but generally greyer in coloration and associated with different and plants; known as The Northern Spinach
- Other Eulithis species members share general wing shape and pattern elements, requiring careful examination of coloration and markings for separation
More Details
Conservation status
Not considered threatened overall, but local dependent on plant availability; rare in northern parts of British range