Swallow-tailed Moth
Elderberry tensioner ( Ourapteryx sambucaria )
The elder tensioner or night Swallowtail ( Ourapteryx sambucaria ) is a conspicuous moths of the subfamily of Ennominae within the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ). It is widely distributed in Europe and locally not rare.
- 5.1 Literature
- 5.2 External links
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 40 to 50 millimeters. They are thus relatively large for a Spannerart. The front and hind wings are creamy white to yellowish and have slightly darker rear ends. The forewings have two approximately straight light brown transverse lines, the hind wings show a transverse line. Sometimes, one or two short parallel lines are developed between the two lines on the front wings. In particular, the edge of the hind wings is edged yellow or reddish brown. The most striking feature is the tail -like extended tips of the hind wings, which make this moth unique. On them you will find a roundish and a line-shaped, reddish stain.
The eggs are colored elongated and initially yellowish white, later they become more intense golden yellow. They are flattened at the top and bottom, and have 14 to 16, connected by cross-members on the longitudinal lines.
The caterpillars are about 50 mm long and are very slim. They are bright yellow green to olive green or brown and have blurry, bright side stripes. Her head is small and flat. They look very similar to a small twig.
Occurrence
The species is locally common in shrubbery rich areas, gardens, lowland forests and deciduous forests often and in Europe. However, it is missing in the southern Mediterranean and northern Europe (up to Central Sweden demonstrated). It comes from the lowlands to the highlands before and Alps to about 1600 m.
Way of life
The animals are exclusively nocturnal and are attracted by the light.
Food of the caterpillars
The caterpillars feed on elderberry (Sambucus ), vulgar lilac (Syringa vulgaris), currant ( Ribes ), ivy (Hedera helix) and clematis (Clematis ).
Flight times and caterpillars
The moths fly into one generation from late May to August. In favorable years, a second, incomplete generation flies in September and October. As of August, then find the caterpillars, which also overwinter.
Development
The caterpillars overwinter. Pupation takes place in a loose weave together between spun leaves. The pupa is yellowish brown with darker drawing. The cremaster is flat and has at the end of two short spines and several hooks bristles.