Lycophotia molothina
Grey Heidekrauteule ( Lycophotia molothina )
The Grey Heidekrauteule ( Lycophotia molothina ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ). In the past, various other German names for this kind have been created, but none of them has been generally used: White Moss pine Gentile Erdeule, Grey Black Heideeule, Besenheideeule Grey, Grey Ginstereule.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 38-40 millimeters. In the nominate ssp. L. molothina molothina outweighs a gray to gray-brown ground color of the forewings. Sometimes they are slightly dusted reddish. Kidney, and ring stain are light gray filled, thin black border and clearly recognizable. Zapf blemishes are narrow and less developed significantly. It is characterized by a whitish to pale gray-blue beam at the front edge, which extends from the root to the top of the middle box. The transverse lines and the wavy line are formed mostly weaker. Heavily obscured shows the ssp. L. molothina occidentalis, are barely visible in the stigma and lines. The hind wings are colored white gray without markings. Only the veins become more distinct.
Caterpillar
Younger caterpillars are emerald green colored and provided with five bright stripes. Adults caterpillars change their color to dark green, reddish gray or brown. Then show three yellow ocher, black outlined ridge lines and two dark line.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The species is widespread through Southwest and Central Europe. The Grey Heidekrauteule preferably inhabits heaths and sparse pine forests.
Way of life
Main flight time flying in a generation in nocturnal moths are the months of May to July. They come to artificial light sources and also like to bait. The caterpillars live in August, overwinter and pupate in April of the following year. They feed on heather ( Calluna vulgaris).
Endangering
The Grey Heidekrauteule comes in the German federal states rarely considered area, as extinct or lost and is on the Red List of endangered species in Category 2 ( high risk ) out.