Sitochroa verticalis
Sitochroa verticalis
Sitochroa verticalis is a butterfly of the family Crambidae.
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of about 30 millimeters (or a forewing length of 12 to 14 mm). The forewings are whitish yellow, pale ocher yellow to light brown. The drawing consists of three darker transverse lines: the coarsely serrated inner transverse line of finely serrated outer transverse line and usually less sharply marked wavy line. There are also often indistinctly marked ring and kidney blemish. The drawing is formed on the underside of the forewing much stronger. The hind wings are whitish yellow and have two darker transverse lines.
The green caterpillar has a pale brown head and dark brown Pinnacula that some are centrally brightened. She will grow up to 29 mm long.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The range extends from Portugal in the west, across Central and Eastern Europe, Siberia ( Buryatia ) to the Russian Far East and Japan. In the north of the area to Southern enough, in the south to Italy.
The species prefers dry, but also somewhat wetter habitats in the open landscape.
Way of life
Sitochroa verticalis forms depending on the region of one to two generations. The moths fly in June and July, the second generation in August and September. The moths are nocturnal and come to artificial light sources. During the day they hide in vegetation. They are easy to flush, but after looking quickly a new hiding place. The caterpillars feed on sage - germander ( Teucrium scorodonia ), thistles ( Cirsium ), Sign ( Atriplex ), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Common Sorrel ( Rumex acetosa ), Nodding Thistle ( Carduus nutans ) Narrow- and double seed ( Diplotaxis tenuifolia ). Pupation takes place well before the spring.
System
The taxon was described in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus as Phalaena Pyralis verticalis first time scientifically. The species was later assigned to the genus Loxostege.