Hadena compta
White Tie- Nelkeneule ( Hadena compta )
The White Tie- Nelkeneule ( Hadena compta ), sometimes referred to simply as Nelkeneule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Literature
- 5.2 Notes and references
Features
The wingspan of the butterfly is 21 to 29 millimeters. The color of the forewings varies from brown to gray to black-gray. In the nominate Hadena compta compta kidney and ring stain are conspicuous white or ivory color and blend usually with the underlying field to a whitish binding to the inner edge. In the form defasciata Hannem. lacks the white center binding, the color variation f.viscariae Gn. shows a yellowish or brownish median fillet. Butterflies, which are less pronounced drawn and pale, as they occur in the European part of Russia, belong to the subspecies Hadena compta armeriae ( Guenee, 1852). The hind wings are plain gray-brown, outwardly slightly darker. The caterpillars show a reddish brown color with a darkened back line and yellow gray side stripes. The pupa is reddish brown and has a markedly protruding, at the end of club-shaped deformed proboscis sheath.
Similar Species
Similarities to the marbled - Nelkeneule ( Hadena confusa ), but a larger wingspan (27 to 35 mm ), a distinct white spot at the apex has the forewing and the white band is usually interrupted. Also similar are Hadena adriana ( Saddle Werda, 1921) and Hadena gueneei (Staudinger, 1901). However, these two species are much larger and have more rounded, pale gray colored forewings and hind wings usually lighter.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The species is widespread in Europe. In the Alps, it rises to over 2000 meters altitude. The more total distribution includes North Africa, Russia and front and East Asia to Japan. The White Tie- Nelkeneule occurs in dry areas. It is native to rocky corridors, Kalkmagerrasenregionen, railway embankments, cemeteries, parklands and gardens. By adapting to gardens it has an advantage over similar species.
Way of life
The moths are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, but also suck on the day or at dusk at various flowers, for example on soapwort ( Saponaria ), Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus ), or butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii ). They also visit artificial light sources, occasionally bait, and fly from may and july a generation. Chance of a partial second generation was observed in August and September. The caterpillars live mainly from July to September. They feed on the seed pods of various pinks and Silene species, for example by Carthusian Pink (Dianthus carthusianorum ), Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus ), nodding campion ( Silene nutans ) or pigeon's crop ( Silene vulgaris). The species overwinters as a pupa and although predominantly in the hollowed out seed pods of forage crops.
Endangering
The White Tie- Nelkeneule is widely used in Germany, and in places not rare and may even be harmful to garden carnations. On the red list of endangered species it is classified as not at risk.