Hypena proboscidalis
Nettle Schnabeleule ( Hypena proboscidalis ) outstretched in a typical resting position with roof-like folded wings and proboscis or beak-like palps
The Nettle Schnabeleule ( Hypena proboscidalis ), also known as Common Nettle Zünslereule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The wingspan of the butterfly is 28 to 38 millimeters. The ground color of the forewings varies from yellowish-brown to gray-brown. Outer and inner transverse line stand out dark, the inner bends to the front edge. The wavy line is broad and also dark, but sometimes indistinct. Blemish missing. Below the very acute apex, a dark shadow is often visible. The hind wings are gray-brown without markings. The proboscis of the moths is well developed. The antennae of the males are ciliated. Note the very long palps, which are pre-stretched trunk-like. From this behavior is also the scientific name of the species from Latin proboscis = " trunk " is derived.
Egg
The spherical egg is coated with 13 sharp, straight longitudinal fins reach all the Mikropylzone. Finally, 15 to 16 are also straight, but weaker transverse ribs formed on the surface. The egg has initially a green color that turns into a dark brown before hatching the young caterpillars.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars have a greenish tinge and are provided with a dark dorsal line whitish back side white lines and yellow side stripes. From the yellow green dot warts stand out individual hairs. The segment cuts are yellowish.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The Nettle Schnabeleule is widely used in Europe, in the north to the Arctic Circle. Eastwards reaches the circulation area to Japan. In the Alps, it rises to heights of over 1600 meters. The animals are found in deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests, rivers of, in hedges and in gardens and parklands.
Way of life
The day, crepuscular and nocturnal moths fly in climatically favorable areas in two generations, the first from May to July and the second from August to October. Visit flowers, like bait and artificial light sources. As a food plant, the stinging nettle is used (Urtica dioica), where they sometimes live socially.
Endangering
The Nettle Schnabeleule is not rare in the German states and, according to the Red List not compromised.