Calluna vulgaris (Kanerva)

There is a large rock behind my house. Most of that area is covered by Calluna, which in Finland flowers in August. Calluna needs dry or poor soil, lot of sunshine and lack of competitive fast growing plants. The circumstances are thus perfect on the dry rock. Calluna is also a good food plant for many insect, especially many night moths and butterflies. The small leaves taste for many different caterpillars and the nectar for the adult insects. Many of caterpillars resemble the small leaves and flowers and are very difficult to notice by the predators.

Anarta myrtilli moth

Lycophotia porphyrea moth

Eupithecia nanata moth