Pachypasa limosa
Pachypasa limosa, males
- 4.1 Notes and references
- 4.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths have a wingspan of 35 to 40 mm in males and from 45 to 60 millimeters in females. About the light gray forewing extends to a lined by thin black, partially serrated lines whitish oblique fascia. Above this binding are located in the direction of Apex some dark spots wedge. The hind wings are white gray to yellow-gray. The reddish-brown antennae of the males show a whitish web and are clearly double combed, those of the females are very fine kammzähnig. The thorax is gray white and provided with a black center line, and two equally colored shoulder stripes. The proboscis is stunted.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars are gray colored, hairy thin and show behind the head two distinct red spots back.
Geographical distribution and occurrence
The species occurs in southwest Europe and northwest Africa, and is still found in altitudes up to 1000 meters. It prefers dry populated karst areas.
Way of life
The moths usually form two generations per year, which are found in the months of June and July to August. North African specimens appear sometimes as early as February. In southern France, just a generation is formed. During the night, the moths visit occasionally artificial light sources. The caterpillars feed on cypress ( Cypressus ), juniper (Juniperus ) and living trees (Thuja ).