About Eulithis pyraliata (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
The barred straw, with the scientific name Eulithis pyraliata (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775, is a species of moth in the Geometridae family. It was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775, and is sometimes classified in the genus Gandaritis. It can be found across the entire Palearctic region, including Britain and Ireland, and also occurs in the Near East. This moth has a wingspan of 33 to 38 millimetres. Its forewings are bright yellow with two narrow brown fasciae, while its hindwings are cream coloured. The hindwings are rarely seen because of the species' characteristic resting position, similar to that of spinach moths. The larva is hairless, and green with two narrow white stripes running along its back. Adult barred straw moths fly at night from June to August, and are attracted to light. This flight season refers specifically to the British Isles, and may differ in other parts of the species' range. The larvae feed on bedstraw, and the species overwinters in the egg stage.
