Meganephria bimaculosa
Two-spotted Plumpeule ( Meganephria bimaculosa )
The two-spotted Plumpeule ( Meganephria bimaculosa ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The wingspan of the butterfly is 45 to 60 millimeters. The color of the front upper wing surface is mostly white -gray to light gray and shows some brownish interference. The transverse lines are indistinct. Very big the blemish highlight. The kidneys blemish is brightened white and edged with reddish brown lines. At the hem there are black spots Arrow. Specific type are two dark spots in the middle and at Analwinkel on the light gray background brown upper wing surface, which are also responsible for the name of the species ( bimaculosa = the Zweigefleckte ).
Egg
The cone-shaped egg has a flattened top and has a few, but very strong longitudinal ribs. It is reddish yellow in color and mottled strong crimson between the white longitudinal ribs.
Caterpillar
The fully grown caterpillars have a brown- gray in color and look like a piece of tree bark. On the eleventh segment is a pair of short tips. Topline and side stripes stand out at times a little brighter. From the fourth segment a forwardly open, dark brown angular drawing can be seen.
Similar Species
Although the moths of Meganephria kononenkoi and Meganephria weixleri have a similar forewing drawing, but both lack the dark spots on the hind wings.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of the two-spotted Plumpeule extends sparse due to southern regions of Central Europe to Turkey and the western Iran. In Anatolia, the subspecies Meganephria bimaculosa pontica occurs. Preferred habitat of the species are open, dry forests, gardens and parklands.
Way of life
The moths fly in one generation a year. Main flight period are the months of August to November. They are nocturnal and visit artificial light sources as well as bait. As a food plant of the caterpillars live in April and May Elm (Ulmus ) and Prunus species are given. The species overwinters as an egg.
Endangering
The two-spotted Plumpeule occurs in Germany only very locally, is performed on the Red List of Threatened Species as " Endangered" (category 1) and is largely thought to be extinct or lost, as well as in the Upper Rhine Plain.