Mouse Moth
Three-point Glanzeule ( Amphipyra tragopoginis )
The three-point Glanzeule ( Amphipyra tragopoginis ), also called Dreipunkteule or Bocksbarteule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 35-43 millimeters. The forewings are glossy brown gray to reddish gray. Sometimes there also copies to almost black in color. Instead of the ring stain shows a black dot. Another two black dots replace the kidney blemish. The gray hind wings are slightly brighter at the base. Male moths have short toothed sensor. The antennae of the female are filiform.
Egg, caterpillar, pupa
The hemispherical egg is provided with distinct longitudinal ribs, a few of which reach but the Mikropylzone. It changes its color from bluish green to yellowish at first brown and shiny.
Full-grown caterpillars have a green color with white or yellowish back - and side- back lines as well as colored side stripes.
The squat doll shows a downward curved spike and two bristles on the cremaster.
Similar Species
In the somewhat smaller species Amphipyra stix and Amphipyra tetra each the black dots are missing on the front wings.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The three-point Glanzeule is spread from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle. The further expansion includes North and Central Asia, and Western Siberia and northern India. To North America, it has been introduced. In Central Asia, ssp.turcomana is native, which is considered by some researchers as a separate species. The three-point Glanzeule is to be found in a variety of habitats, these include forest edges, meadows, moors, heaths, gardens and parklands.
Way of life
The moths are nocturnal and fly to artificial light sources, and particularly like scale bait. Occasionally they were observed while sucking on the flowers of butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii ) or flutter - rush ( Juncus effusus ). Their very long flight time covers the months of July to October. During the day the moths rest sometimes in large numbers together in columns of trees. The caterpillars live from May to July and feed on many different plants eg by Salsify ( Tragopogon ), larkspur ( Delphinium ), sweet clover ( Melilotus ), bedstraw ( Galium ), dandelion (Taraxacum ) or mullein ( Verbascum ). The species overwinters as an egg.
Endangering
In Germany, the three-point Glanzeule is widespread, sometimes frequently and is classified on the Red List of Threatened Species as not at risk.