# Latticed Heath (*Chiasmia clathrata*)

The Latticed Heath is a pretty moth with a special pattern on its wings. It loves to fly around flowers during the warm months and is often seen in gardens and fields.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Latticed Heath](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chiasma_clathrata02.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chiasma_clathrata02.jpg)

## Appearance

The Latticed Heath has distinct wings patterned with a striking network of dark brown or black lines over a creamy white to pale yellow background. This intricate, net-like design gives it a unique, delicate appearance, making it easily identifiable among other moths.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Geometridae
- **Genus:** Chiasmia

## Interesting facts

- Adults visit flowers for nectar, acting as tiny pollinators to many wild plants!
- Its name comes from the 'lattice' pattern on its wings, like a tiny window grill!
- Latticed Heath caterpillars are green, making them masters of camouflage on leafy plants!
- This moth is sometimes called a 'day-flying' moth because you can spot it in sunshine!

## Special abilities

- **Master of Blending:** The Latticed Heath has a crisscross wing pattern that helps it camouflage perfectly against tangled vegetation, hiding from hungry predators.
- **Nectar Sipper:** Latticed Heath can extend a long proboscis to sip sweet nectar from various flowers, helping them gather energy for flight.
- **Daytime Flyer:** This moth has the unique ability to fly actively during the day, which helps it find flowers when many other moths are resting.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 25-30 mm
- **Size:** 10-15 mm
- **Lifespan:** 10-20 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on fresh plant leaves.

- **Age differences:** Larvae eat plant leaves, while adult moths feed solely on flower nectar.
- **Primary Foods:** Flower nectar, Clover leaves, Vetch leaves, Bedstraw leaves
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — A common bird predator of adult moths.
- **Eats:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this widespread plant.
- **Eats:** Lady's Bedstraw (*Galium verum*) — Another common host plant for its developing caterpillars.

## Traits

- [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Latticed Heath?

Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Latticed Heath's wingspan?

25-30 mm

### How big is Latticed Heath?

10-15 mm

### How long does Latticed Heath live?

10-20 days

### What does Latticed Heath eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on fresh plant leaves.

### Where is Latticed Heath usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Latticed Heath hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Latticed Heath have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Latticed Heath: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/latticed-heath)