Laothoe philerema
Laothoe philerema is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). It has been suggested that the nature of a subspecies of Laothoe amurensis or with this type is at least closely related, since both types on the hind wings, the rust-red spots are missing. The significantly different genital structure contradicts the contrary, pointing towards a relationship with the poplar hawkmoth ( Laothoe populi ).
- 4.1 Notes and references
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 80 to 120 millimeters. They look very pale, little patterned poplar enthusiasts alike, but in which the rust-red spot missing on the hind wings, or is formed at most stunted. The males have unusually long antennae, which are half as long as the forewing. The dark to light ocher- brown forewings bear on the basal half of the wing ( ante medial) a distinct bright binding. On them is a black spot in the outer transverse band between the wing veins M2 and M3. In the male genitalia the two apical projections of the saccule are even more regressed than Laothoe populi populeti, but have a similar profile. The aedeagus is more slender, less strongly bent and carries fewer and smaller Cornuti on the edge of the vesica.
Preimaginal stages
The eggs measure an average of 2.42 mm in diameter and are otherwise similar to those of the poplar hawkmoth. The caterpillars are 65 to 75 millimeters long. They are otherwise currently undescribed, as well as the doll.
Occurrence
The species occurs only in the East Turkmenistan, southern Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and eastern Afghanistan. It is believed that it also occurs in northwestern China, in northern Pakistan, as well as in most parts of the rest of the Tian Shan. The habitats of the species are poorly understood; in the Hindu Kush and Pamir they inhabited river valleys and lake shores. To Kabul delivers the kind of 1800-2500 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The habit of the species is unknown. She flies in at least two, maybe three generations per year. Imagines are the end of April, and was captured by the end of June to August. The two generations vary in appearance: the first generation individuals are small, dark and colored contrast.
The caterpillars feed on poplar species of the genus Turanga. Danner, Eitschberger & Surholt (1998 ), however, suggest that Populus pruinosa the only caterpillar food plant. The animals are found near large populations of these plants and rarely to individual trees. The hibernation is probably held as a doll. Parasitoids that attack the way, are not known.