Cryphia raptricula
Grey Schildflechteneule ( Bryophila raptricula )
The Grey Schildflechteneule ( Bryophila raptricula ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ). In the past, various other German names were created and published for this style, but none of them has prevailed: Schildflechteneule, Grey Flechteneule, Debris lichens Owl, Violet Grey Algeneule, Rock Forest - Schildflechteneulchen.
- 6.1 Notes and references
- 6.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of about 22 to 28 millimeters. Their forewings are narrow, usually colored slate gray and fitted with a long black Wurzelstrieme. Specimens with light brown center strip are called f deceptricula, ( Hübner ), those with almost monochrome black forewings as f carbonis ( Freyer ). Cross lines and blemishes are blurred or absent. The hind wings shimmer gray-brown, slightly lighter in the root zone.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars are bluish gray. Note the white side stripes back, which also show orange spots and black warts. The head is mottled yellowish and black.
Similar Species
- Brown Grey Flechteneule ( Cryphia fraudatricula )
- Brownish Flechteneule ( Bryophila ravula )
In these two species, the brownish interference of the fore wings are wider pronounced. The transverse lines are striking and the Wurzelstrieme missing.
Synonyms
From the way a variety of synonyms is known. These include:
- Cryphia raptricula
- Noctua raptricula
- Bryophila divisa
- Bryoleuca raptricula
- Metachrostis raptricula
- Phalaena palliola
Distribution and occurrence
The Grey Schildflechteneule is distributed from North Africa through Europe to Southern Norway, central Sweden, southern Finland and to the Baltic States, where it occurs slightly more often in the south. In the northern central Europe it is still in the propagation phase. Further distribution areas are Russia to the vicinity of Moscow, small and Central Asia and the Chinese part of Turkestan. In Germany, the species appeared shortly after the end of World War II in areas where it has never been previously observed, especially in the middle of big cities like Berlin and Hanover. This was due to the fact that the food supply of nourishing itself from the growing rubble stone house on lichens crawler suddenly above average expanded. After the renovation and redevelopment of city centers, the species is there again become rare. It is preferably in rocky areas, quarries, vineyards, ruins, bridges, building walls and old walls, on roofs, as well as to find to wooden fences.
Way of life
The moths are mostly nocturnal, flying from July to August and live very quietly. They like to sit on rocks covered with lichen or walls. Occasionally, they are already active at dawn and visit and artificial light sources as well as bait. The caterpillars feed on lichens and algae, particularly those species that grow on rocks and stones. The caterpillars are found from September. They overwinter and pupate in June of the following year.
Endangering
The Grey Schildflechteneule is widespread in Germany in different frequency and is classified on the Red List of Threatened Species as not at risk. In Baden- Württemberg, but it is done on the early warning list.