Scopula immutata
Four-point - free tensioner ( Scopula immutata )
The four-point small tensioner ( Scopula immutata ), also called plantain small tensioner, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 22-25 mm; the second generation in the south and butterflies in the north of its distribution reach only 19 to 23 millimeters. The base color is white with a yellow Überstäubung of varying intensity. Especially in the males, the intensity of Überstäubung is greater than in the females. Drought and high temperatures during pupal development induce more yellowish moth with pronounced drawing. The wavy cross lines are yellowish to light brown. In general, inner transverse line means binding and outer transverse line are formed, sometimes wavy line and hem line. Here is the wavy line, if present, often wide blurred. Diskalflecke are always present, but may be formed on the fore wings distinctly weaker. Saumflecke only occasionally formed which also are quite small and inconspicuous then.
The egg is relatively long, cylindrical and rounded at both ends. The outside is sharp longitudinal ribs 15 and 15 to 18 somewhat finer transverse ribs. It is first dyed gelbweißlich and later bright red shortly before hatching of Eiraupen to face an even purple spots.
The caterpillar is colored gray to brown. It is relatively slim and is slightly thinner towards the head. The bright and narrow back line is always accompanied by a dark line. In the segment cuts these lines broaden. The yellow side stripes are usually only weakly developed. The flattened head is brownish in color.
The pupa is light brown in color, the two ends are slightly darker. It measures eight to nine millimeters in length and 3.6 to 3.9 millimeters in diameter. The elytra are a little brighter and slightly greenish. The cremaster is relatively large, rounded, wedge-shaped in lateral view. He is slightly shorter (or the same length ) as wide at the base.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The distribution of the four-point - free tensioner is typical temperate to boreal. It extends from the coast of France and the British Isles to the Ural. In the north, it goes up to central Scandinavia, south to central Italy and southern Bulgaria. However, these latter occurrences are isolated from the main population and limited to higher regions. There is also an isolated, very small deposits in northern Portugal and north-eastern Spain and the evidence in Corsica and Sardinia. However, these findings need to be confirmed. Outside of Europe, attracts the spread over the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, southern Siberia, Mongolia to the Far East and Sakhalin.
The species is moisture- loving and therefore is preferably in moist woods, swamps, bogs, wet meadows and along rivers. In the vertical height, the species occurs from sea level up in front of about 700 meters. In the Alps and in Southern Europe, it rises to around 1200 meters that they seldom even higher (up to 1850 meters so far ).
Phenology and life
The type uni- up bivoltin; ie it can be formed depending on the region one or two generations. From northern and eastern Germany and northern Hungary to the Baltic and north of it only a generation is formed, the butterflies flying in a long flight period from mid-June to mid-August. Rarely, a partial second generation is formed in these areas, their moth fly from late August to mid-September. In the warmer regions of western and southern Germany, France and south of the Alps, the species forms two generations, flying their moth from mid-May to late September, with a brief interruption in July between the two generations. The long flight period is caused by the different rapid development of caterpillars.
The caterpillars are extremely polyphagous and have been found on a variety of herbaceous plants and grasses. In the literature mentioned: High (Primula elatior ), dandelion ( leontodon ) deadnettles ( Lamium ), dog - violet (Viola canina ), plantain ( Plantago major), Real medicinal valerian (Valeriana officinalis), plantain ( Plantago lanceolata ), white stonecrop (Sedum album), marsh Pippau ( Crepis paludosa ), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium ), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), heather ( Calluna vulgaris), Woolly honey grass ( Holcus lanatus ), Reed canary grass ( Phalaris arundinacea ), bluegrasses ( Poa ), meadowsweet ( Filipendula ) and probably fallen leaves. The breeding succeeded also with other plants such as field wormwood (Artemisia campestris ), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Middle Leinblatt ( Thesium linophyllon ), Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), Small meadowsweet ( Filipendula vulgaris), Common Clematis (Clematis vitalba ), loosestrife ( Lysimachia ), Bird knotweed ( Polygonum aviculare ), hawthorn (Crataegus ), garden salad ( Lactuca sativa) and Mary bellflower (Campanula medium).
The caterpillar overwinters and pupates in the spring.
System
The species was described in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, under the name Phalaena Geometra immutata first time scientifically. Currently she is in two subspecies, the subspecies nominotypical Scopula immutata immutata and Scopula immutata contramutata Prout, divided 1920. The latter can be found in the literature but also as an independent art
Endangering
The species is regarded in Germany as a whole is not compromised. It is classified as endangered ( category 3) only in North Rhine -Westphalia. In Saarland, it is potentially at risk (category 4) and in Hamburg it is in category 5, ie, the type may be at risk for progressive habitat destruction.