Idaea filicata
Idaea filicata
Idaea filicata is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 12-21 millimeters; the second generation is usually much smaller and reaches only a maximum of 17 millimeters. The color and the drawing are somewhat variable. The wings are in the ground color pale white to creamy white. The basal half of the fore wings to the middle binding is usually completely dark, more rarely light brown, to almost dark gray. Occasionally, the inner transverse line is created slightly lighter sets it apart from the Basalfeld. In some specimens the root box is held in the base color and only the field between inner and middle transverse line dark colored. The brown Basalfelder extend to the Diskalflecken that vary slightly in size. On the hind wings the Basalfelder are often slightly lighter or colored, held more frequently than on the fore wings in the base color. In the latter case, the average cross- line is then often indicated by a dot line. The Diskalflecke lie just inside the Basalfeldes, flows around or are minimally saumwärts. On the hind wing they are, however, always clearly outside ( saumwärts ) of Basalfeldes. The saumwärtige limiting the Basalfeldes is serrated usually more or less clearly. The outer transverse line is virtually extinct. It is saumwärts accompanied by a gray shade. Where the outer transverse line a black costal spot is touching the front edge formed which is sometimes resolved into smaller patches. In point of contact with the inner edge of a dark spot is present. On the hind wings may be slightly clearer appear the outer transverse line passing through point rows. The Saumfeld has sometimes on another gray shadows roughly in the position of the shaft line, especially on the hind wings. The fringes are usually held in the color or slightly darker.
The brownish bead is relatively short and compact. It has significant constrictions, back and sides are covered with bristles. The back line and the side line of the back are only vaguely trained and frequently interrupted. In contrast, the yellow-colored lateral line is usually drawn more clearly. The head is light brown.
The pupa is brown with a glossy matt surface. The cremaster is relatively small and truncated at the end. The three pairs of bristles are hook-shaped curved.
Occurrence and habitat
The proliferation of idaea filicata is typical Southern European. Only in Hungary, in the east of Austria and southern Czech Republic, the geographical presence extends into to Central Europe. In the east, the range extends to Asia Minor, Syria, Lebanon, northern Iraq and Iran. In 2008, the species was observed also in eastern Turkey on the Black Sea.
The species occurs from lowland until at altitudes of 800 meters on warm slopes and Mediterranean scrub. In exceptional cases, the type has also been observed in 1,400 meters above sea level, in the southwestern Asia already over 2,000 meters.
Way of life
It makes two to three generations per year, flying the moth of May and September. The caterpillars feed on, among others, dried or wilted plant parts of carnations (Dianthus ) and Speedwell ( Veronica ). The breed also succeeded with smartweed ( Polygonum aviculare ) and the ordinary dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
System
The species was described in 1799 by Jacob Hübner under the name Geometra filicata first time scientifically. Due to the differences in the drawing several formae have been described, but have no nomenclatural status.