Stained-glass wings and butterfly behaviours: Meeting the latticed heath

With wings that look like miniature stained-glass windows or intricate iron grills, the latticed heath (Chiasmia clathrata) is one of the most eye-catching small moths you can spot in a summer meadow. Its dark brown crisscross veins and lines contrast against creamy, yellowish wings, creating a striking net pattern that makes it instantly recognizable. Unlike nocturnal moths that hide away until dark, the latticed heath loves the warm sunshine. It flits actively through grasslands, gardens, and moorlands during the day. When taking a rest on a stem, it frequently holds its wings upright like a tiny butterfly! Beneath the blossoms, its bright green caterpillars move with a signature “inchworm” looping step as they feed on wild clover and trefoil. When a predator approaches, the caterpillars freeze completely stiff, disguising themselves as harmless green twigs. I often saw these charming moths fluttering through Swedish meadows, but their restless nature made them tricky subjects. I finally managed to snap a few sharp, close-up photos on a sunny day near Akalla!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts of related arthropods

Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/100, ISO 100.
Dalmatian wings and silken tents: Meetin...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f14, 1/50, ISO 160.
One spot or two? Meeting the world-trave...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/50, ISO 160.
Swedish meadow quest: Spotting a hidden ...
Photo taken on 22-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f20, 1/200, ISO 250.
Color illusions and mud puddles: Meeting...
Photo taken on 22-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f13, 1/125, ISO 250.
Wavy yellow wings and meadow quests: Mee...
Photo taken on 09-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f9, 1/200, ISO 200.
Blue waves over the meadows: Photographi...
Scroll to Top

Would you prefer to hide close-up spider photos?
Wolisz ukryć zdjęcia pająków?
¿Ocultar fotos de arañas en primer plano?