Syngrapha hochenwarthi
Hochenwarths Gold Owl ( Syngrapha hochenwarthi )
Hochenwarths Gold Owl ( Syngrapha hochenwarthi ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
Features
Hochenwarths Gold Owl is a butterfly of the subfamily of Gold Owl and, with a wingspan 24 to 30 millimeters to their smaller representatives. The front wings are colored in different shades of brown, some striking lines and have - as in many species of the subfamily Plusiinae - a characteristic metallic drawing on the fore wings, in this case in the form of an elongated drop which is colored silver white. The midfield and the wing tips are dark brown. The hind wings are yellow with a dark outer bandage. Similar species also have yellow hind wings and similar drawings, Syngrapha are devergens and the Moor - Gold Owl ( Syngrapha micro gamma). Can distinguish one species to the more jagged outline of the front wing at devergens, or the lack of such in micro gamma. The drawing also moderately similar larch Gold Owl ( Syngrapha ain ) is easily distinguished due to the larger wingspan. The body of Syngrapha hochenwarthi is hairy furry and has a few tufts of hair. The proboscis is well trained.
The caterpillars are reddish-brown color. They have a yellowish dorsal line and also colored by ridge lines and side stripes. The doll is black brown. The cremaster is long, stalk -shaped and has scratches.
Similar Species
- Larch Gold Owl ( Syngrapha ain )
- Moor Gold Owl ( Syngrapha micro gamma)
- Syngrapha devergens
Geographical distribution and habitat
Hochenwarths Gold Owl is found in the Alps, where it is locally plentiful in high altitude 1700-2500 meters. In addition, you will find the way in mountainous areas in the north of Norway and Finland as well as in the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Urals and the Altai. Dry alpine meadows above the tree line are the main distribution area.
Way of life
Hochenwarths Gold Owl flies by day through meadows, where the butterflies like to suck on various flowers. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various species of plantain ( Plantago ). They overwinter twice and pupate in a white- gray tissue. The moths fly from June to September.
Endangering
The species occurs in Germany in the Bavarian Alps and is on the Red List of endangered species under Category V (ie, near threatened ) out.