Xylena vetusta
Brown Moderholzeule ( Xylena vetusta )
The Brown Moderholzeule ( Xylena vetusta ), also called Brown rotting wood or Pale Yellow Moderholzeule, is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 5.1 Literature
- 5.2 Notes and references
Features
Butterfly
With a wingspan 52-65 mm is at the Brown Moderholzeule by a relatively large cutworms. The fore wings are narrow and long. The coloration of the forewing is quite variable and varies from dark brown and gray brown to ocher- yellow. Ring stain can not be identified, kidney blemish are highlighted by dark spots. From the wavy line a black line pulls up to the kidneys Swap. The midfield is sometimes very dark. The hind wings are gray-brown without markings and have a pale brown spot near the inner edge. The proboscis of the moths is well developed. The antennae of the males are slightly serrated.
Egg, caterpillar and chrysalis
The egg is hemispherical, irregularly ribbed and colored light reddish yellow. The caterpillars show a great variability in color. Some of them have an almost pure green color, but also form yellowish forms are also provided with wide black stripes and white point warts. The thin -skinned doll has two bristles and sharp thorns on the slightly scooped cremaster.
Similar Species
- Xylena nuprea was recognized as a distinct species, is the North American sister species of vetusta and can be clearly distinguished because of the geographical separation.
- With the slightly larger horror Moderholzeule ( Xylena exsoleta ) does not reach the outgoing shaft of the line black line the renal defect. The basic color emphasizes the grays stronger. It also shows dark, enclosed ring blemish.
Distribution and habitat
The species is distributed from north-west Africa through Europe and Asia to central Siberia. The northernmost occurrence extends to the Arctic Circle and Iceland. In the mountains, it rises up to 2000 meters. The Brown Moderholzeule is found on moist meadows, glades, on the shore areas of water bodies, forest edges and in gardens.
Way of life
The moths fly from August, hibernate, reappear in the spring and then live up to the beginning of June. In repose tightly squeeze the wings to the body, so that they resemble a piece of decaying wood, as noted by the German name of the species is due. They are nocturnal and fly to artificial light sources, especially like also applied bait. Occasionally they suck on butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii ), and in the spring regularly willow flowers ( Salix). The caterpillars live from May to July. They are polyphagous and feed on a variety of plants, one of which is mentioned here only a selection:
- River dock ( Rumex hydrolapathum )
- Knapweed (Centaurea ),
- Irises (Iris )
- Sedges ( Cyperaceae ),
- Vogelknöteriche ( Polygonum )
And others. Pupation takes place in the earth.
Endangering
In Germany the species is widespread, but area as rare and is classified on the Red List of endangered species in the category V ( near threatened ).