Northern spinach

Northern spinach larvae can be attracted with the leaves of their host plants, while adults may be attracted to light sources or fermented fruit baits.

Eggs of northern spinach are typically found on the underside of leaves from host plants such as currants and poplars. The caterpillars, which emerge from these eggs, mainly reside on the host plants, eating the leaves. Searching for these caterpillars involves examining the leaves for signs of feeding or silken threads. The pupae of northern spinach often reside in concealed locations, such as under loose bark or within leaf litter on the ground. To locate them, one must carefully inspect these potential hiding places. Adult northern spinach are commonly attracted to lights and can be found near woodland edges or hedgerows that are adjacent to their larval food sources.

The best time to find northern spinach larvae is typically in late spring to early summer when they are actively feeding. Adults are more easily spotted during the evening or at night when they are flying and attracted to lights.

Calm, warm evenings are the most suitable weather conditions for observing adult northern spinach. For larvae, mild, humid conditions when their host plants are in full leaf are ideal.