Xestia speciosa
Mountain forest Bodeneule ( Xestia speciosa)
The mountain forest Bodeneule ( Xestia speciosa ), also called blueberry bog Gentile Erdeule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The variation in the coloration of the forewings of the moths is extremely large. To appear between almost white and almost black copies all intermediate shades of gray that form depending on the geographical location or climatic conditions. The often circular, white rimmed ring blemish stand out conspicuously. Transverse and wavy lines are perforated, but occasionally indistinct. The hind wings are gray white and show a striking center spot. Main features of the following sub- types are:
- Gray-white to dark gray base color in, inter alia, in the Harz occurring nominate ssp. speciosa ( Hübner, 1813), which has a wingspan from 38 to 50 millimeters,
- A darker and fainter drawing with the smaller with a wingspan 36-45 mm Nordic ssp. arctica ( Zetterstedt, 1839 ) and
- A brownish coloration tending in the Alps widespread ssp. modesta ( Warnecke, 1962).
Studies, whether occasionally mentioned further subspecies are really perfectly valid subspecies should be performed.
Egg, caterpillar
The egg is hemispherical, ribbed and wavy yellowish white. Before hatching, it assumes a orange tint. The caterpillars have a reddish colored back panel, which is also mottled brownish and also shows some oblique fork strokes. Back, side back and side lines of shimmering white. The belly is of a greenish color.
Similar Species
The similarity exists to Xestia sincera and to Xestia rhaetica. In these two species, however, prevail brownish tints before in the drawing. The ring stain are more oval shaped. Very similar is also Xestia viridescens, which often shows a slightly greenish tinge on the fore wings. In borderline cases, is used to uniquely assign a genitalmorphologische investigation still advisable.
Distribution and occurrence
The species occurs in the north of Europe, in Fennoscandia, the Baltic States, parts of Russia and on through northern Asia to the Pacific, including Japan before. In central and southern Europe it is found in various mountains and mountain ranges. In addition, it is found in northwestern North America. The mountain forest Bodeneule preferably inhabited mixed and coniferous forests with blueberry growth and fells.
Way of life
The nocturnal moths fly from June to August in one generation a year. Visit artificial light sources as well as bait. The caterpillars are found from August and overwinter twice. They feed on various low plants, which include:
- Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus),
- Black Honeysuckle ( Lonicera nigra),
- Dwarf Birch (Betula nana )
And others.
Endangering
The mountain forest Bodeneule comes in Germany only in some states usually rare and is on the Red List of endangered species in Category 2 ( high risk ) out.