Garden Carpet
Garden - blade tensioner ( Xanthorhoe fluctuata )
The garden - blade tensioner ( Xanthorhoe fluctuata ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 18-25 millimeters. They have white to dark gray wings on which an only slightly, indicated wave pattern is recognizable. You have at the front, middle and rear of the wing leading edge each have a large dark brown spot. The mean is significantly larger and extends to the wing center inside. In addition to the spot at the wing tip is inward, on the wing outer margin a further, but much weaker pronounced brown spot visible. The hind wings are gray and have several darker transverse bands.
Synonyms
- Phalaena fluctuata Linnaeus, 1758
- Xanthorhoe fibulata Hufnagel
Occurrence
They are widespread throughout Europe.
Way of life
Flight times and caterpillars
The garden - blade tensioner forms two generations a year, flying from mid- April to late June and early July to early October. The caterpillars are from August to October (first generation) from May to June ( second generation) to be found.
Food of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed on various low plants, but especially of wallflowers ( Erysimum cheiri ), cabbage (Brassica oleracea ) and other crucifers ( Brassicaceae).