| Sitochroa palealis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) |
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Scientific name: Sitochroa palealis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) Common name: Other names: Crambidae were previously considered as a sub-species of Pyralidae. French name: Botys verdâtre Order: Lepidoptera Suborder: Heterocera Family: Crambidae Subfamily: Pyraustinae Wingspan: 29-34 mm. Biotope: Woodland edges, fallow lands, coastal areas. Geographic area: Europe, some moths introduced to the United States. Flight time: June-July. Number of generations : 1 Caterpillar: The caterpillar is a creamy colour. It is covered by small sharp circular black dots. The head is black. Host plant: Umbelliferae like Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Mountain Parsley (Peucedanum oreoselinum), Marsh Hog's Fennel (Peucedanum palustre), Laserpitium, Fennel (Foeniculum), Silaum and Hogweed (Heracleum). |
The upper side of Sitochroa palealis' wings is a whitish silky colour. The veins show dark brown marks. There is a central diffuse brown mark on the forewings. It flies at dusk and is attracted to light. Like other Crambidae, this moth is considered as a pest because of the damages caused by the larva. |
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You just need to walk through high grasses, in July, to observe a huge number of insects. The observation is followed by a small photo session and then by inquiries, also very interesting, to identify the species and to learn about their lifecycle. |
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This second specimen of Sitochroa palealis has paler marked veins than the previous one. |
André Bon July 2010