12-4-2023 MONTECORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/325560-Dyscia

20-1-2022 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Dyscia penulataria)

18-3-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/325560-Dyscia

 

13-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/325560-Dyscia

 

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/325560-Dyscia

 

22-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

Dyscia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae (subfamily Ennominae), first described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. These moths are generally medium-sized, with a wingspan typically ranging from 28 to 42 mm. 

Here are key facts regarding the genus Dyscia:

Appearance and Characteristics

Coloration: Individuals range from pale grey or sandy beige to brownish-grey, often with numerous black spots or scales.

Wing Shape: A key identifier is the slightly concave outer margin of the forewings.

Physical Features: They lack a proboscis (tongue).

Distinct Species: While most are grey/beige, Dyscia nobiliaria is noted for its reddish coloration. 

Environment: They inhabit open moorland, heathland, peat bogs, limestone ground, macchia shrubland, and olive groves.

Activity: They are nocturnal, with both sexes often attracted to light.

Flight Period: Depending on the species and region, they can be found flying from January to December, with peak activity often in spring and summer (e.g., May to July for D. conspersaria). 

Diet and Life Cycle

Larval Foodplants: The larvae are oligophagous (feeding on a limited range of plants), primarily feeding on Fabaceae (Genista), Asteraceae (Artemisia, Achillea), Lamiaceae (Salvia), and Ericaceae (Calluna, Erica).

Overwintering: Species may overwinter as larvae, pupae, or adults. 

Taxonomy and Species

Species Count: There are approximately 19 recognized species within the genus.

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - GEOMETER MOTH (21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

The geometer moths are moths belonging to the family Geometridae of the insect order Lepidoptera, the moths and butterflies. Their scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek geo γεω (derivative form of γῆ or γαῖα "the earth"), and metron μέτρον "measure" in reference to the way their larvae, or inchworms, appear to measure the earth as they move along in a looping fashion. Geometridae is a very large family, containing around 23,000 described species; over 1400 species from six subfamilies are indigenous to North America alone. A well-known member is the peppered moth, Biston betularia, which has been the subject of numerous studies in population genetics. Several other geometer moths are notorious pests.