Catocala optata
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Catocala optata |
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| ( Godart , 1824) |
Catocala optata is a butterfly ( moth ) from the owl butterfly family (Noctuidae).
features
butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 61 to 63 millimeters. This makes them one of the medium-sized species within the genus of ribbons ( Catocala ). The forewings are gray in color and sometimes slightly dusty brown. Both inner and outer transverse lines stand out very clearly. The very strongly jagged course of the outer transverse line is particularly noticeable. Blemishes are indistinct or not recognizable. The midfield is sometimes slightly brighter. A black longitudinal line extends from the base of the wing to the inner transverse line. The hind wings are pink in color and have a wide black band and an evenly rounded, relatively wide black central band that does not extend to the inner edge. The fringes shimmer silky white.
Caterpillar
Adult caterpillars are characterized by a brownish color and a reddish topline. Typical of the species are a yellowish transverse bulge on the eighth segment and another gray-brown color on the eleventh segment.
Similar species
There is a similarity to Catocala lupina and to Catocala detrita . These species differ in the narrower central band on the hind wings, which also shows a clear kink at the end. The similar Catocala pacta can be easily distinguished by its red abdomen.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The species is locally distributed in Spain , southern France and southern Central Europe , but is absent in Greece . It is also found in northwest Africa . They are primarily found on the banks of rivers as well as in swampy landscapes and humid meadow valleys .
Way of life
The main flight time for the moths is from July to September. At night they fly to artificial light sources and bait . The caterpillars prefer to feed on the leaves of sal willow ( Salix caprea ) or basket willow ( Salix viminalis ). They develop between June and July.
swell
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c Barry Goater, Lázló Ronkay, Michael Fibiger: Catocalinae & Plusiinae . In: Martin Honey, Michael Fibiger (eds.): Noctuidae Europaeae . tape 10 . Entomological Press, Sorø 2003, ISBN 87-89430-08-5 (English).
literature
- Barry Goater, Lázló Ronkay, Michael Fibiger: Catocalinae & Plusiinae . In: Martin Honey, Michael Fibiger (eds.): Noctuidae Europaeae . tape 10 . Entomological Press, Sorø 2003, ISBN 87-89430-08-5 (English).
Web links
- Lepiforum eV taxonomy and photos
- www.nic.funet.fi occurrence
- Catocala optata in Fauna Europaea. Retrieved February 16, 2011