Crambus lathoniellus
Crambus lathoniellus
Crambus lathoniellus is a (small) butterfly of the family Crambidae.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The moths have a wingspan of 18-22 mm, rarely to 24 mm (or a forewing length of 9 to 10 mm). The front wing tops of the male are whitish or yellowish white ( forma egregiellus Rebel, 1915) ocher to greyish brown (formative obscurellus man, 1871). The bright shapes often have a gray-brown color interference. The females are a little lighter on average. From the wing base, a vertical white streak goes on, the ends pointed at an oblique dark line. In some specimens a white spot is formed in continuation and until the submarginal line. The longitudinal strip has behind the middle ( seen from the base ), closer to the line submarginal an outwardly and the inner edge of " teeth " on. The submarginale transverse line is lighter than the base color and the inside lined dark. Along the costal edge runs from the wing base starting another brighter longitudinal line, which, however, ends before the wing center. The hem is designed for front line than the edge, the inner edge toward the Arrow patches. The hind wings are brownish gray.
The caterpillars are stained dirty brown. The head is light brown, the neck shield is light yellowish or grayish brown.
Similar Species
A number of species are similar Crambus lathoniellus. Very similar is Crambus pratellus (Linnaeus, 1758); this type is slightly larger, has slightly narrower wings and the obtuse apex.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The species is widespread in Europe. In Southern Europe ( Iberian Peninsula, Apennine peninsula, Greece) it is rare and missing on most Mediterranean islands. In northern Europe, the distribution area extends as far as the Arctic Circle. In the east it stretches across Siberia to the Russian Far East and Sakhalin.
It occurs in open wet or dry grasslands.
Way of life
Crambus lathoniellus forms one generation a year, flying their Falter May to August. It is thus one of the earliest flying in Crambiden. The moths are nocturnal. During the day the moths rest in the vegetation where they can be easily startled but. The wings are typically slightly curled, ie that never get to see all the drawing elements of the forewing. The caterpillars live in cocoon tubes near the ground and feed on grasses, mainly to lawn Schmiele ( Deschampsia cespitosa ) and Haferschmielen ( Aira ). The caterpillars overwinter and pupate in the spring.
Systematics and Taxonomy
This taxon was originally described in 1813 by Jacob Hübner as tinea nemorella first time scientifically. The name tinea nemorella has been already awarded in 1788 by tinea nemorella Thunberg, for a different type. Tinea nemorella Hübner, 1813 is therefore invalid and had to be replaced by the next younger synonym. This is Chilo lathoniellus Zincken, 1817. The type is found in the older literature, often under the name Crambus pratellus. However, this is incorrect because Crambus referred pratellus a different way.
Currently, two subspecies are distinguished, which Nominatunterart
- Crambus lathoniellus lathoniellus and
- Crambus lathoniellus alfacarensis Staudinger, 1859, this subspecies is brighter on average and only comes before Spain.