Scopula (genus)

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Scopula
Scopula imitaria

Scopula imitaria

Systematics
Order : Butterflies (Lepidoptera)
Superfamily : Geometroidea
Family : Spanner (Geometridae)
Subfamily : Sterrhinae
Tribe : Scopulini
Genre : Scopula
Scientific name
Scopula
Cabinet , 1802

The genus Scopula is an extremely diverse genus of butterfly family of Spanner (Geometridae). Most species are found in the tropics and subtropics. Seen worldwide, around 800 species can be counted in this genus, in a somewhat expanded concept even up to 900 species. For Europe 43 species are given, in the German-speaking area around 21 species occur.

features

They are rather small butterflies with a wingspan of about 15 to 30 millimeters, or only less than that. They have relatively wide fore wings. The tips ( apices ) of the forewings can be rounded or slightly pointed. The outer edge of the hind wings is rounded or slightly tailed. The basic color varies from almost white through different shades of brown to wine or purple red. The underside of the forewings is often darker than the underside of the hind wings, but the basic color on the upper side of the fore and hind wings usually matches. The drawing usually consists of a clearly developed inner transverse line, a central band and an outer transverse line. These elements can almost disappear with intraspecific variability. In addition, the wavy line and the hem line can be developed. Discal patches are present in many species.

The eggs usually have many strong longitudinal ribs that cross with mostly weaker transverse ribs. They are generally pale in color, but red spots often appear on the outside after a few days. The caterpillars usually hatch quickly from the eggs after just three to seven days. They are relatively slim and often intricately very variable in color. The pupae are mostly brownish, but the wing sheaths are often greenish or yellowish in color. The cremaster consists of four pairs of bristles.

Geographical distribution and habitat

Most of the species in the genus are native to the tropics and subtropics . A relatively small part of the species also lives in the temperate latitudes. Corresponding to the large number of species, a wide range can be observed in the habitats of the species. The great majority are restricted to warmer regions because of their tropical and subtropical distribution. But many of the species found in Central Europe are also described as loving warmth. The species come from the plains to z. T. at great heights of over 3000 meters. There are relatively local species, while other species migrate over short and medium distances.

Way of life

The species of the genus are uni- to plurivoltine, d. H. one to several generations are trained each year. Most species are crepuscular and nocturnal, and a few also fly during the day. Artificial light sources are often approached, and many species are also baited. The caterpillars are z. T. monophagous , but mostly polyphagous and feed on various herbaceous plants and leaves of trees and bushes. They also eat mosses less often . The caterpillars usually overwinter in the moderate latitudes.

Systematics

The genus comprises between 800 and 900 species, depending on the genus concept. Only the European species are listed here:

The type species of the genus is Phalaena paludata Linné , 1767, a more recent synonym of Scopula ornata ( Scopoli , 1763). Some authors divide the genus into several sub-genera: Scopula (Scopula) cabinet , 1802, Scopula (Calothysanis) Hübner , 1823, Scopula (Holarctias) Prout , 1913 and Scopula (Ustocidalia) Sterneck , 1932

swell

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Hausmann (2004: p. 253)
  2. ↑ according to Lepiforum

literature

  • Axel Hausmann: The Geometrid moths of Europe, 2nd Sterrhinae. In A. Hausmann (Ed.): The Geometrid Moths of Europe 2. Apollo Books, Stenstrup 2004, ISBN 87-88757-37-4
  • Walter Forster , Theodor A. Wohlfahrt : The butterflies of Central Europe. Volume 5: Spanner. (Geometridae). Franckh'sche Verlagshandlung, Stuttgart 1981, ISBN 3-440-04951-5 .
  • Günter Ebert (Hrsg.): The butterflies of Baden-Württemberg Volume 8, Nachtfalter VI (Spanner (Geometridae) 1st part), Ulmer Verlag Stuttgart 2001. ISBN 3-800-13497-7

Web links

Commons : Scopula  - collection of images, videos and audio files