Pterophorus pentadactyla
Pterophorus pentadactyla
Pterophorus pentadactyla is occurring in almost all of Europe Species from the family of the spring moths ( Pterophoridae ). The German name sloe Federgeistchen implies that sloes plays an important role within the food spectrum of this kind, but this is not correct.
- 3.1 Flight time
- 4.1 Synonyms
- 5.1 Notes and references
Features
Pterophorus pentadactyla has a white base color and reaches a wingspan from 24 to 35 millimeters. The moth is thus one of the most represented within the genus Pterophorus. The wings are sparsely sprinkled with some dark scales. Note the deep and finger-shaped split wing, which also appear feathery - fringed. The front wings are two, the hind wings split three times. On the legs the way also contributes " spurs "; the hind legs are very long.
The caterpillars are pale green and especially at the front and rear end long haired white. They reach a length of about twelve millimeters. On the back is a white, yellow dotted line, the back Warts arise brownish hair.
The dolls are greenish or dirty white in color, very slim and the warts are long white bristles.
Similar Species
The caterpillars of Emmelina monodactyla are often found associated with those of Pterophorus pentadactyla, but these have a broad dark dorsal line and are hairy considerably shorter.
Dissemination
Pterophorus pentadactyla is widely used in Europe, one exception is the extreme south. In the east, the distribution area of Asia Minor dates back to Iran. The moths often come to grassy areas with bushes, in fields, in gardens and on waste places before.
Way of life
The white eggs are individually by the females or stored in small groups on the leaves of food plants. The larvae are found among first on the undersides of young leaves of their food plants, including field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed True ( Calystegia sepium ). According to other data should also clover ( Trifolium ) and buckthorn ( Rhamnus ), Roses (Rosa), willow ( Salix) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) are part of the food spectrum. Brown spots form on the leaves nibbled. Later the caterpillars also eat at the leaf surface and in flower buds and flowers. The caterpillars rest either on the underside of leaves or stems. Some of the caterpillars grow up fast and pupate in the summer, so that in August produced a second generation. The slower growing caterpillars overwinter and are continuing to grow next spring. Pupation also takes place on the underside of leaves, while the doll is attached to the rear end on a small web pad. During the day you will find the moths usually dormant in the herb layer, while they sit on the first two pairs of legs, the last pair is stretched backward and rests against the body. The hind wings are pushed under the front wing. The moths are crepuscular and nocturnal and are attracted by light at night.
Flight time
It is formed a generation, these flies from May to September. Under favorable conditions can occur in August and a second (incomplete ) generation.
System
Synonyms
The following synonyms have been described in the literature:
- Phalaena Alucita pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758
- Phalaena tridactyla Scopoli, 1763
- Alucita pentadactyla Denis & Schiffer Müller, 1775
- Alucita pentadactyla Hübner,
- Aciptilia pentadactyla var sulphurea Staudinger, 1880