Furcula bicuspis
Birch -tailed ( furcula bicuspid )
The Birch -tailed ( furcula bicuspid ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tooth Spinner ( Notodontidae ).
- 7.1 Literature
- 7.2 Notes and references
Features
Imago
The moths reach a wingspan of 30 to 45 millimeters, the females are larger than males. They have whitish forewings with a gray median fillet. The species differs from the very similar book - tailed ( furcula furcula ) and also similar minor fork tail ( furcula bifida ) by the strongly constricted dark transverse band of the fore wings, the sharp- trained edge points of the wings and the slightly whiter ground color.
Egg
The eggs are of purplish black color.
Caterpillar
The caterpillars have a yellow-green color and a brown, yellow border back drawing. This marking on the back is extended triangular shape in the middle, but is not related to the same -colored chest patch. The abdomen ends in a straight tail fork with two long reddish tips.
Doll
The doll is penetrated and stained dark brown.
Similar Species
- Book - tailed ( furcula furcula )
- Little Forktail ( furcula bifida )
Occurrence
The species occurs in Central Europe remains widespread, but is nowhere common. In the high mountains, it is not to be found. Preferred flight areas are heath and parkland and mixed woodland slopes.
Way of life
The female moths lay eggs in small groups on the underside of the leaves of the food plant. The caterpillars then feed on the leaves of birch (Betula ) and alder ( Alnus ). Like other tailed caterpillars take faults or troubles a shock position, by withdrawing the head, lift the front and rear end and evaginate the tail threads. They can also eject a sharp secretions from a gland. Pupation takes place in a solid, made of gnawed wood chips cocoon on tree trunks or branches. Hibernation takes place as a doll.
Flight times and caterpillars
The nocturnal moths fly in two generations mainly from late April to mid-July and again from late July to late August. The caterpillars can be found in July and August.
Synonyms
- Cerura bicuspid
- Harpyia bicuspid