Polyphaenis sericata
Colorful Ligustereule ( Polyphaenis sericata )
The Colorful Ligustereule ( Polyphaenis sericata ) 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 34 to 42 millimeters. Note the brightly colored wings. On the fore wings a moss green Überstäubung is characteristic that is expressed especially in newly hatched individuals, but faded noticeably due to progressive life. The double, white -filled transverse lines, the dark- rimmed ring and kidney blemish, monochrome Zapf blackish stain and a dark field near the inner angle are more striking design elements. The hind wings are colored bright orange yellow and show a wide black hem band and a dark center spot.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars are usually brownish in color. The black dorsal stripe is filled light at the segment cuts.
Similar Species
- The Silver Grey Bandeule ( Epilecta linogrisea ) has narrower forewing with some silver-gray and reddish drawing elements and a slightly narrower black fabric tape on the yellow hind wings, which also lacks a center spot.
- In the yellow wing - Raseneule ( Thalpophila matura ) the greenish drawing elements are missing on the front wings. The hind wings are bright yellow in color and do not have a center spot.
- Polyphaenis propinqua occurs only in Asia Minor, so that there is no geographical overlap with sericata.
- Olivenebula subsericata is significantly larger and differs primarily by the bright orange colored hind wings
Distribution and habitat
The species is widespread throughout southern Europe before. The Colorful Ligustereule preferred forest edges and thickets with a strong privet Share ( Ligustris vulgaris). It is, however, also be found in urban areas, where there exists Ligusterbewuchs.
Way of life
The moths are mostly nocturnal and appear to artificial sources of light and love to bait. Occasionally, they also suck on the flowers of meadow knapweed (Centaurea jacea ) or butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii ). They fly in one generation from late June to mid-August. The caterpillars feed mainly on the leaves of the Ligusters, more rarely, of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa ) and of honeysuckle ( Lonicera ) or dogwood species ( Cornus ). They only feed at night, overwinter and pupate in May of the following year.
Endangering
In Germany the Colorful Ligustereule in Bavaria, Baden -Württemberg and Rhineland -Palatinate occurs and is guided on the red list of endangered species on the early warning list.