Epirranthis diversata
Epirranthis diversata, females
The Colorful aspen leaf - spring tensioner ( Epirranthis diversata ) is in Central Europe, the only species in the subfamily Desmobathrinae. The Desmobathrinae are overall a small subfamily of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
Way of life
The moths fly from early March to early May in the day and at night. They have been observed sucking on pussy-willow. The egg is whitish to slightly reddish. It has the opening at the tip ( micropyle ) a gefelderte zone. Shortly before hatching the Eiraupe it turns intense red. The caterpillar is gray-brown with dark, light ducted topline. The young caterpillars live cocooned between leaves. Older caterpillars are to be hiding on the ground. The wintering doll is small, slim and light brown.
Food plant of the caterpillars
The caterpillars of the species seem to be specializing in low, young aspen (Populus tremula ). In captivity, but also leaves of Lombardy poplar and black cottonwood were accepted.
Occurrence
The species occurs in sparse deciduous forests, avenues, parks, gardens and riverside forests, where there are the food plants of the caterpillars. It is strictly protected and relatively rare in Germany. The species is classified in the Red List of Germany in Category 1 ( threatened with extinction ).
System
In Central Europe, only one genus and species occurs, which is expected to be the subfamily Desmobathrinae. Many authors, the genus is still out in the subfamily Oenochrominae to that of some authors the genus Alsophila with their two species was calculated. This genus but is now usually regarded as a separate subfamily.