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Tuesday, 22 June 2021

21-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - THE GEOMETRICIAN MOTH (Grammodes stolida)


The geometrician (Grammodes stolida) is a migratory moth species in the family Erebidae that was first identified and named by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan: Measures between 40 and 44 millimeters across.

Appearance: Features dark forewings marked by distinct pale or cream-colored bands.

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range: Found widely across Africa, southern Europe, most of Asia, and Australia.

Migration: Regularly travels into central and northern Europe, reaching as far north as Denmark, Finland, and England.

British Sightings: Considered an extremely rare immigrant in the British Isles, with official records logged only twice—in 1903 in Devon and in 1990 in East Sussex.

Preferred Habitats: In southern Europe, it lives in deciduous woodland clearings, thick scrublands, and waste grounds.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Host Plants: Caterpillars feed on foliage from plants including bramble (Rubus) and oak (Quercus).Flight Period: Adult moths are active from April through October, often appearing in two waves during May–June and August–September.

Attractions: Adults are nocturnal and easily drawn to artificial light sources and sugar baits.