Streak (moth)

The streak (Chesias legatella) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in northern and western Europe and north Africa. It is common in Britain, but local and confined to the north in Ireland. The species was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775.

Chesias legatella caterpillar

Streak
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Genus:	Chesias
Species:	C. legatella
Binomial name
Chesias legatella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

The species is quite variable, the forewings being buff or brown, but is always easily identified by the bold whitish apical streak which gives it its common name. The hindwings are pale grey or buff. The wingspan is 35–38 millimetres (1.4–1.5 in). The moth flies, usually at dusk, in September and October and is sometimes attracted to light.

The larva usually feeds on broom but has been recorded on yellow bush lupin. The species overwinters as an egg.

1. ^ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.