Xestia lorezi
Xestia lorezi
Xestia lorezi, also Alpine Goldbandeule called, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ). The specific epithet honors the Swiss pharmacist and entomologist Carl Friedrich Lorez.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths vary considerably in coloration, which is also reflected in the following sub- types:
- In the nominate ssp. lorezi with a wingspan 38-41 mm, the ground color of the forewings is a large area pale yellow, golden yellow or yellow-brown. Lines or flaws stand out hardly.
- The smaller and very differently colored ssp. kongsvoldensis has a wingspan 33-37 mm, and has a predominantly gray to gray-brown ground color on the front wings on. Ring and kidney blemish stand out more clearly. The midfield is somewhat obscured.
Egg, caterpillar
The egg is hemispherical, ribbed and colored bright yellow. Before hatching, it takes on a dark purple color. The caterpillars have a light brown color, a white- yellow belly, a wide, broken white topline, narrow bright side ridge lines as well as broader yellow white side lines. In addition to the back line some dark brown triangular spots are visible.
Similar Species
- Xestia ochreago differs from the nominate ssp. lorezi by the more angular front wing shape and the apparent protruding lines and blemishes.
- Xestia tecta similar to ssp. kongsvoldensis, but has a somewhat darker midfield and usually a more reddish brown tint.
Distribution and occurrence
The species occurs in northern Europe and in the Alps. Habitat of ssp. lorezi are the Alps at altitudes 1700-2500 meters. The ssp. kongsvoldensis native of Fennoscandia and northern Russia. Outside Europe appear four other subspecies, namely ssp. Sajana in the Sayan Mountains, ssp. katuna in the Altai Mountains, ssp. Monotona in Yakutia and ssp. ogilviana in the Yukon Territory.
Way of life
The largely nocturnal moths fly from late June to August in one generation a year. On the day they occasionally sit on the flower heads of Alpendost ( Adenostyles ) or Alpine thistle ( Cirsium spinosissimum ). You will also visit artificial light sources as well as bait. The caterpillars feed on various low plants.
Endangering
Xestia lorezi occurs in Germany only in the Bavarian Alps and is run on the red list of threatened species as a species with a geographical restriction.