Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Earias clorana
(Linnaeus) (
881-882
)
syn.
Earias chlorana
(Linnaeus)
Cream-bordered green pea moth
A widely distributed but local, wetland species breeding
mainly in willow beds, primarily on osier (
Salix
viminalis
). Other willows, including almond willow
(
S. triandra
), and pussy willow (
S. caprea
), are also
suitable hosts. The larvae attack the terminal shoots,
feeding during July and August within closely webbed
clusters of leaves. Larvae (
c.
17 mm long when fully
fed) are greenish white to greyish white, marked with
reddish brown and orange; there are large, dark-brown
pinacula on the second and eighth abdominal segments.
Pupation occurs in boat-shaped, parchment-like
cocoons spun on the shoots. The tortrix-like adults
(20-24 mm wingspan), which appear in the following
May and June, have pea-green fore wings and white
hind wings (cf.
Tortrix viridana
, p. 285).
Euplexia lucipara
(Linnaeus) (
883
)
Small angle-shades moth
A generally common species, the larvae feeding on
herbaceous plants and shrubs, and sometimes also
attacking cultivated ferns such as
Dryopteris
. When
present on ferns, the larvae graze the fronds but damage
caused is rarely significant. Fully grown larvae are
30-35 mm long, rather stout-bodied, purplish brown or
green, with a V-shaped mark on each segment and a
whitish subspiracular line, whitish pinacula, black
spiracles and a pair of white spots on the slightly
humped eighth abdominal segment; the head is small,
glossy and pale greenish. The larvae feed from August
to September, eventually pupating in silken and earthen
cocoons formed in the soil. Most individuals overwinter
as pupae but, in favourable conditions, there is a partial
second generation. The purplish to light reddish-brown
adults (30-35 mm wingspan) occur mainly in June
and July.
Gortyna flavago
(Denis & Schiffermüller) (
884
)
Frosted orange moth
An occasional pest of herbaceous ornamentals,
including
Chrysanthemum
,
Dahlia
, foxglove (
Digitalis
purpurea
), hollyhock (
Alcea rosea
), lupin (
Lupinus
),
mullein (
Verbascum
) and pot marigold (
Calendula
officinalis
); attacks also occur on woody hosts such as
elder (
Sambucus
), lilac (
Syringa
) and willow (
Salix
).
Holarctic. Widely distributed in Europe.
881
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
32-42 mm wingspan; fore wings yellow,
marked with brown, purplish brown and orange-yellow;
hind wings pale ochreous.
Larva:
up to 35 mm long;
pale yellow, with very large, black pinacula and black
spiracles; head yellowish brown; prothoracic and anal
881
Larva of cream-bordered green pea moth (
Earias clorana
).
882
883
882
Pupal cocoon of cream-bordered green pea moth (
Earias
clorana
).
883
Small angle-shades moth (
Euplexia lucipara
).
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