Idaea inquinata
Hay dwarf tensioner ( idaea inquinata )
The Hay dwarf tensioner ( inquinata idaea ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ). It is an anthropophilic species that is found in central Europe almost exclusively in the settlement area.
Features
The wingspan ranges 14-18 mm, rarely up to 19 millimeters, the second generation is often smaller and reaches only about 11 millimeters. The forewings are relatively broad, its tip ( apex) is rounded. The ground color of the wings is light brown to beige with individual darker spots. They are also dusted dark. The fringes are occupied with distinct dark spots. The actual wing tip may additionally be provided with obscure points. The inner and outer transverse lines are wavy, thickened point-like at the front edge. The mean transverse line is frequently interrupted or incomplete. The Diskalflecken are usually in the form clearly.
The egg is irregular, but in habit roundish. It is externally covered with longitudinal and transverse ribs and first whitish and is salmon red just before the hatching of the Eiraupen.
The caterpillars are relatively short with strong constrictions and can be brownish or greenish. The back and side panels are blackish, the ventral side is brightly colored. The head is relatively small and colored yellowish or reddish.
The maroon doll has a darker head area, slightly darker constrictions and also a darker cremaster, which is manned with hooked bristles.
Occurrence and habitat
The type comes from North Africa, through Southern Europe to Central Europe. To the west is the northern limit of distribution in France, Belgium and the southern Netherlands, in Central Europe, in Northern Germany; sporadic occurrence is also available in the Baltic States. The reported single occurrence in England, Denmark, Sweden and Finland are attributed to entrained with dried herbs animals. Earthiness has not been established in these countries. The species is further from Spain and Morocco in the west through Asia Minor, the Caucasus and northern Iran spread to some Central Asian mountains. Further north, the incidence ranges to eastern Russia and the Crimea. The species is almost everywhere relatively rare in the distribution area. Occasionally, however, it also occurs in slightly greater numbers on barns and haystacks in. From Jordan to Israel to Egypt and the eastern Libya the Nominatunterart is replaced by the subspecies idaea inquinata adherbaria. The moths come in Central Europe from the lowlands to the highlands before to about 700 meters in the Alps to about 1000 meters. From Spain there is a proof in 1700 meters height.
Phenology and life
The Hay dwarf tensioner usually forms two generations a year, flying from late April to mid-July and late July to mid-September. Under favorable climatic conditions generations are formed continuously. In Central Europe the thermophile species is bound to human dwellings and can therefore be found from January to October. It is even unclear whether they. Central Europe in not influenced by human natural areas, at least in the higher elevations, can survive at all The moths are diurnal and fly in the afternoon and evening. If they are disturbed, they fly in dark corners. They are often observed on the walls of houses and stables. In the evening they come to artificial light sources and can also be baited.
The caterpillars feed on the dried and withered plant parts and plant waste. Demonstrated are: Melissentee, dried Huflattichblüten and mint tea. The species overwinters as a caterpillar, pupation takes place in spring in a fine weave.
Systematics, phylogeny and nomenclature
The species was scientifically described in 1763 by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli as Phalaena inquinata first time. 1798 Johann Christian Fabricius described the kind again, this time under the name Phalaena herbariata, which is therefore a junior synonym of idaea inquinata ( Scopoli, 1763). Currently, two subspecies are distinguished: idaea inquinata inquinata and idaea inquinata adherbariata Staudinger, 1898.
Harmful effect
The species is rarely perceived as Harmful. However, this can be the case when dried tea leaves, dried plants are infested more in herbaria or dried bouquets. Ebert also reported a case that the caterpillars of this type have eaten the abdomens of strained butterflies in a butterfly collection. A real harmful effect is likely to occur in the trade only when infestation of tea leaves (such as mint tea, herb tea ).
Threats and conservation
This is seen in Germany as a whole is not compromised. In some states it sees some different, however. In Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania, the species is considered endangered ( category 3), as in Thuringia. In Lower Saxony it is even classified as endangered ( category 2).