Crocota niveata
Crocota niveata
Crocota niveata is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The wingspan of the males is 26 to 30 millimeters, that of the smaller females 23 to 26 millimeters. All wings have a mostly bright white color and are virtually without markings. The fringes shimmering silky white. Only occasionally appear gray-white copies. The antennae of the males are combed on both sides, those of the females are weak sägezähnig.
Egg
The egg has an initial yellow color that turns into reddish later.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars look very stocky and have a brown coloration. Back and side back lines are black and broken, the broad, black, unbroken side binding are lined with yellow.
Doll
The doll is slender, reddish-brown and shows two short diverging bristles on the conical cremaster.
Similar Species
The also white-colored Hartheu clamps ( Siona lineata ) is substantially larger (35 to 45 mm wingspan ) and has a dark veining in particular on the wings back. In addition, this species has threadlike sensors.
Geographical distribution and occurrence
Crocota niveata comes in Austria before in the Styrian- Carinthian- Salzburgian Eastern Alps region and in parts of Romania. The species inhabits alpine meadows and mountainous areas, where altitudes 1500-2200 meters are preferred.
Way of life
The moths are active during the day and like to rest under the leaves of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Main flight period are the months of June and July. The caterpillars live in late summer polyphagous on low plants and overwinter.
Endangering
The type is missing in the German states. Older information about discoveries in Baden- Württemberg are based on misidentifications.