Dolba hyloeus
Preparation of Dolba hyloeus
Dolba hyloeus is the only butterfly species of the genus Dolba from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). Due to the morphology of the genitalia is to assume that the type closest to the genus Manduca is related.
- 3.1 Flight times and caterpillars
- 3.2 food plants of the caterpillars
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Characteristics of the moths
The moths have a forewing length of 22-30 mm and are therefore relatively small. They have a dark brown to dark gray color with white spots in the post- medial and ante medial area of the front wings. On these there is a small but well recognizable, white Diskalfleck. The outer edge of both pairs of wings alternately white and colored with the dark color. Similarly, the abdomen is alternately white and striped dark. The patterning of the fore wings is quite variable. In some individuals the pattern is very, others very little to almost no contrast, whereby the front wings seem almost monochrome.
Features of the crawler
The caterpillars have a pale light green color, with a slightly weißlichblauen back. They carry a fairly wide, gray-green stripes at center back. The animals also carry six white Dorsolateralstreifen that on the front of each segment begin at about the level of spiracles and extend into the subdorsalen area of the subsequent segment. The last of these streaks ends on Analhorn. Each strip is defined by a thin dorsal purple colored band, which is not however sufficient to the next segment to the rear. The ventral side of the body below the spiracles is pale gray-green. The Analhorn is predominantly blue in color, but has a purple colored top. The head capsule is light green and ungestreift. The spiracles are surrounded purple and white colors.
Features of the dolls
The dolls are walnut brown. They have a smooth, slightly glossy surface. The short proboscis sheath is free, but is located close to the body. The cremaster is long relative to the length of the doll. He's pretty rough and ends in a single peak.
Occurrence
The species is widespread nearktisch. It occurs from eastern North America to the Great Plains, and from New England to the west across large parts of Michigan and Wisconsin and south to large parts of Florida and along the Gulf Coast to Central Texas on. In Canada, the species is rarely detected, where it occurs near Port Franks in the extreme south of Quebec and Ontario. The northernmost evidence derived from Pary Sound and Pinhey Forest in Ontario. The species inhabited mainly the eastern North American mixed forests.
Way of life
The adults are frequently observed especially during dusk when visiting flowers. They fly different flowers on, such as that of the ordinary soapwort ( Saponaria officinalis), evening primrose (Oenothera ), honeysuckle ( Lonicera ), petunia ( Petunia ), Phlox (Phlox ), Miracle Flowers ( mirabilis), tobacco ( Nicotiana ) and Cephalanthus occidentalis. The adults are attracted by artificial light.
Flight times and caterpillars
The kind in a generation in the summer occurs in the north. Most moths are found there, from late June to early August. In the south, flying animals from late March to September. It is believed that there are formed at least two generations.
Food plants of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed on Three-lobed pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ), and several species of holly (Ilex ) that grow in moist microhabitats with good water drainage, such as Ilex verticillata, Ilex decidua and ink berry holly (Ilex glabra). In the literature there are a number of other alleged food plants, however, could not be operated, such as Farnmyrte ( Comptonia peregrina ).
Development
The females lay their eggs singly, the caterpillars are solitary. The caterpillars develop very slowly and molt a fifth time before pupation. You need an average of 46 days until then. Pupation takes place in a chamber in the soil.