Thaumetopoea bonjeani
The cedar processionary moth ( Traumatocampa bonjeani ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tooth Spinner ( Notodontidae ).
Features
The moths have a forewing length of 15-17 millimeters, the males are slightly smaller than females. The type sees the pine processionary moth ( Traumatocampa pinivora ) are very similar and also has whitish colored forewings, which run on three fine, slightly dark brown transverse bands. Unlike the similar way, the two located bind not approach further out to the wing to the inner edge, but nearly parallel, as is the case with the pine processionary moth ( Traumatocampa pityocampa ). In addition, the bandages are colored less strong. The extreme pad is serrated, the first is close to the vane base is formed in comparison to the two outer weak. The antennae are longer and more yellow in color than in Traumatocampa pinivora. The thorax is hairy gray-brown and yellowish, the abdomen is colored pale red-brown.
Occurrence
Traumatocampa bonjeani is widespread in North Africa and occurs in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria probably. The species inhabited both deep layers on the coast and the mountains, and occurs mainly in dry cedar forests.
Way of life
The adults fly from July to October. The caterpillars feed on the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), where they can sometimes occur as a pest.