Scopula ternata
Blueberry small tensioner ( Scopula ternata )
The blueberry small tensioner ( Scopula ternata ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 24-29 mm (males) and 21 to 25 mm (females ). In Northern Europe, and in Scotland are also the males, on average, slightly smaller ( 22 to 26 millimeters). The ground color is pale brown to pale yellowish with gray Überstäubung. Usually the males are more intense dusted than females. The transverse lines are developed only little contrast. The inner transverse line is often even gone almost completely. Means binding and outer transverse line, however, are usually present, the outer transverse line is usually developed most vigorously. Rarely is also the wavy line weak, the hem line may be indicated by broken margin in the female. Diskalflecke missing on the front and rear wings.
The egg is approximately cylindrical with flattened ends. The outside is covered with 17-18 longitudinal ribs which intersect with finer transverse ribs. First, it is bright yellow and is later spotted red.
The caterpillar is relatively long and slender, and has a lateral fold of skin. It is reddish - gray and has a double, dark but interrupted dorsal line on. It is slightly wider in the segment cuts. Furthermore, a wide side line is very striking.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The blueberry Small clamper is mainly in Northern Europe and parts of Central Europe, with smaller foothills and isolated occurrences in South and South-East Europe. In the West, the incidence of eastern France ( French Alps, Alsace -Lorraine ), eastern Belgium and Scotland is limited, with an isolated occurrence in the Pyrenees. In the north the distribution extends to the Arctic Circle, south of the Alps form the border. Further to the east extends a spur up to the Southern Carpathians. Isolated deposits are found in some mountains of the Balkan Peninsula, so the borders of Bosnia - Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania as well as in western Bulgaria. In the east, the way central and northern Russia to the Urals and from there to Siberia is found up to the Yenisei. It is detected in the Altai and the Sayan Mountains as well as in Mongolia. In northern Europe, it can be found from sea level to about 1000 meters altitude. In the Alps, it rises up to 2000 meters. In Central Europe, they usually lack in the warmer lowland regions; it is usually to be found there 600-2500 meters.
The species is a typical boreal - montane Art The distribution area largely coincides with the occurrence of the main food plant of the caterpillars, the blueberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus). It is therefore usually restricted to acidic soils on siliceous or sandy ground. Open habitats with blueberry stocks, pagans, on the edge of Torfstichen and clearings and edges of forest pine forests (Pinus sylvestris) are preferred.
Phenology and life
The species is univoltine exclusively, that is, it is formed only one generation. The moths appear in warmer regions of the distribution area in late May and flying until end of July. In the mountains and in northern Europe they fly until the end of June and then to mid-August. The moths rest in the morning in the vegetation where they can be easily startled but. Then fly off in the afternoon in search of flowers and are crepuscular and nocturnal. They are attracted by artificial light sources.
The caterpillars grow very slowly. They feed primarily on blueberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus), bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ), heather ( Calluna vulgaris), black Santander pea ( Lathyrus niger), creeping willow ( Salix repens ) and heathers (Erica ). In breeding caterpillars have been but even with leaves of Tartar honeysuckle ( Lonicera tatarica ), chickweed ( Stellaria ), smartweed ( Polygonum aviculare ), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca ), garden salad ( Lactuca sativa) and the ordinary dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) successfully fed. The caterpillars overwinter and pupate in the spring in a loose cocoon on the food plant.
System
The species was described in 1802 by Franz von Paula cabinet as Scopula ternata first time scientifically. Later she was described still another nine names, all of which are junior synonyms of Scopula ternata.
Endangering
The species is on the Red List of Hamburg, North Rhine -Westphalia and Rhineland -Palatinate in Category 2 ( high risk ) classified, in Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania, it is in category 3 (endangered ) ..