Apopestes spectrum
Apopestes spectrum
Apopestes spectrum, sometimes called the Great Ginstereule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 4.1 Notes and references
- 4.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The wingspan of the strikingly large moth is 74-82 mm. On the fore wings light brown colors are predominant. The transverse lines are dark brown, heavily corrugated and partially interrupted. In the Postdiskalregion close to the inner edge there is a dark spot. Blemishes are small, sometimes insignificant. The visually marked hind wings have a pale brown color.
Caterpillar, and chrysalis
Adults caterpillars are slender and yellow in color. On each side, two side back green black stripes are visible. Below this strip there are irregular black spots and stains. About the legs runs a broad, dark longitudinal line, sometimes the number 8 and the letter o are similar to the yellow and white drawing elements. The head is provided with whitish and black dots.
The black-brown doll shows two very short bristles on the tapered cremaster.
Similar Species
On the surface, particularly because of the comparable size of the moth, a remote resemblance to the black ribbon ( Mormons maura ) can be discerned, but which differs significantly on the hind wings by the black middle on the front wings and the black fabric tape.
Geographical distribution and habitat
Apopestes spectrum is used in Europe in the Mediterranean including the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. Other occurrences areas include North Africa, Iran and Turkmenistan. In the valleys of the Southern Alps, the animals grow to a height of about 800 meters. The species is mainly found in warm places, such as on lean lawns or shrub landscapes with gorse vegetation.
Way of life
The nocturnal moths visit in the spring of love bait applied, where they sometimes appear in number. Artificial light sources they are looking for on the other hand, is extremely rare. They hatch in July, Hibernate and live until March of the following year. As a hibernation site caves, sheds, or other well-protected locations are selected. The caterpillars evolve from April and pupate in June. Do this, create a light, whitish, silky, glossy web between branches and foliage. As food plants serve various types broom ( Genista ).