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Charissa mucidaria, commonly known as the coppery taupe, is a species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae.First described by German entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1799, this moth is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. It is well-regarded for its intricate camouflage patterns that allow it to blend seamlessly against rocky substrates and stone walls.
Key Identification Features
Wingspan: Typically ranges from 20 to 30 mm.
Coloration: Highly variable ochre, gray, or brown tones with a distinctive coppery or rusty metallic tint.
Markings: Features a central transverse band on its wings outlined by irregular dark lines, marked with tiny black spots, and a small dark eyespot (ocellus) with a light center near the wing margin.
Fringes: The wing edges often showcase distinct orange or warm-toned fringes (fimbriae).
Ecology and Life Cycle
Habitat: It primarily inhabits dry, warm, rocky slopes, stone walls, and sparse grasslands from lowlands up to mid-altitude mountain ranges.
Flight Period: Adults are bivoltine, flying in two main generations: from March to May and again from July to September. In warmer coastal regions like Andalusia, adults can be found active into early winter.
Larval Diet: The caterpillars feed polyphagously on low-growing herbs and rock plants, including species of Sedum (stonecrop), Anagallis, Polygonum, Sanguisorba, and Rumex.
Overwintering: The species hibernates during its larval stage, emerging fully mature in early spring.
