Ematurga atomaria
Forewing length: 13-14 mm
Description
A true day-flying species, varying in colour from whitish to yellowish brown, but always with brown bands of varying width crossing both fore and hind wings. The male has very obvious “feathered” antennae, helping to distinguish it from otherwise similar butterflies such as the skippers. Holds wings flat unlike the similar Latticed Heath which holds them vertical.
Flight Period
May-June, with a partial second generation in August
Larval Food plants
Trefoils, clovers and vetches on neutral soils – heathers on acid heathland.
Habitat
Most common on acid heaths, but also found on meadows, grassland, woodland rides and roadside verges on chalk, limestone and neutral soils.