Compsoptera opacaria

Males of Compsoptera opacaria

Compsoptera opacaria is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).

  • 4.1 Notes and references

Features

Butterfly

The wingspan of the moth from 34 to 45 millimeters. The wings vary to dark gray in color from light brown to reddish brown. All colors show on the fore wings a distinct diagonal line that extends from the apex to the middle of the front edge. Its color can be white or blackish. The intensity of the color varies greatly depending on the locality. Animals whose food crops grown on ironstone, show predominantly reddish tints. Sometimes a dark center is visible. The apex of the forewing is usually designed to be particularly acute in the female moths. The hind wings are pale gray-brown without markings. The antennae of the males are combed on both sides, those of the females thready.

Caterpillar, and chrysalis

Adults caterpillars are brown gray and often show two parallel, interrupted, blackish or reddish ridge lines.

The shiny brown pupae has two small peaks at the cremaster.

Geographical distribution and habitat

Compsoptera opacaria comes in southwestern Europe, in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. The species prefers warm bushes inhabited landscapes.

Way of life

The moths fly in one generation and are found from August to October. Visit at night artificial light sources. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of various plants. These include broom ( Genista ), thyme (Thymus ) and juniper species ( Juniperus ) and heather ( Calluna vulgaris).

Swell

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