16-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SATELLITE FLY (Subfamily Miltogramminae)

Sarcophaginae is the largest subfamily of flesh flies (Family: Sarcophagidae), characterized by 0.16–0.9 inch long, grey/black striped, bristled bodies with red eyes and checkerboard abdomens. They are mostly larviparous, giving birth to live larvae on carrion, dung, or organic waste. These flies are crucial in forensics for estimating post-mortem intervals. 

Key Facts About Sarcophaginae

Appearance: They possess three black longitudinal stripes on the thorax, a distinct gray-and-black checkered abdomen, red eyes, and a, often red, tail-like abdomen tip.

Reproduction (Larviparity): Unlike many insects, female Sarcophaginae are generally larviparous, producing live, developed maggots directly onto food sources rather than laying eggs.

Larval Diet: Larvae (maggots) are mostly necrophagous, feeding on decaying organic matter, carrion, or feces. Some species are parasitoids of other insects, while others cause intestinal or tissue myiasis.

Habits: Adults are often found near carrion or filth and are among the first insects to arrive at a carcass, making them essential for forensic entomology.

Identification: Most species are difficult to identify by sight; positive identification requires microscopic examination of the male genitalia.

Common Genus: The genus Sarcophaga is widely distributed and common, including species like Sarcophaga carnaria and Sarcophaga crassipalpis. 

15-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a small geometrid moth found across Europe (excluding the far north and northwest), North Africa, and the Canary Islands. It is a nocturnal species, part of the "pug moth" group, often identified through genital dissection due to uniform appearance within the genus. Larvae typically feed on flowers and seeds of specific plants. 

Key Facts about Eupithecia semigraphata:

Taxonomy: Class Insecta, Order Lepidoptera, Family Geometridae.

Distribution: Primarily found in southern and central Europe, extending to the Caucasus, Armenia, North Africa, and the Canary Islands.

Synonyms: Known by several, including Eupithecia confusata, Eupithecia exquisita, and Tephroclystia semigraphata.

Common Names: Includes the German Dost-Blütenspanner and French Eupithécie des Labiées.

Habits: Generally nocturnal. Like most Eupithecia species, it rests with forewings held at a right angle to the body.

Larval Feeding: Many Eupithecia species larvae are specialized, feeding on flowers and seeds rather than foliage.

Identification: While Eupithecia genus identification is simple, specific

identification of E. semigraphata often requires examination of genitalia. 

It is not present in countries like Great Britain, the Netherlands, or Denmark. 

15-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL BLOOD VEIN MOTH (Scopula imitaria)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/205090-Scopula-imitaria

 

13-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CUTWORM MOTH (Family Noctuidae)

The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. Taxonomically, they are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other families of the Noctuoidea. It was considered the largest family in Lepidoptera for a long time, but after regrouping Lymantriinae, Catocalinae and Calpinae within the family Erebidae, the latter holds this title now.

Currently, Noctuidae is the second largest family in Noctuoidea, with about 1,089 genera and 11,772 species. This classification is still contingent, as more changes continue to appear between Noctuidae and Erebidae. 

14-10-2020 POU CLAR, ONTINYENT - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

13-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

Subspecies

Eupithecia semigraphata semigraphata

Eupithecia semigraphata arida Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata canariensis Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata gravosata Schutze, 1956

Eupithecia semigraphata lutulentaria Schwingenschuss, 1939

Eupithecia semigraphata nepetata Mabille, 1869

Eupithecia semigraphata porphyrata Zerny, 1934

13-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

Subspecies

Eupithecia semigraphata semigraphata

Eupithecia semigraphata arida Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata canariensis Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata gravosata Schutze, 1956

Eupithecia semigraphata lutulentaria Schwingenschuss, 1939

Eupithecia semigraphata nepetata Mabille, 1869

Eupithecia semigraphata porphyrata Zerny, 1934

12-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JASMINE MOTH (Palpita vitrealis)

 Palpita vitrealis, common name jasmine moth or white pearl, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae.

This species occurs worldwide, including Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa),Asia, Australia and Europe. In Europe, it is mainly found in southern Europe, but may be found further north.

The wingspan of Palpita vitrealis can reach 27–31 mm. The body and the wings are translucent with a slight sheen. Eyes are large and reddish-brown. On the upper edge of the forewings is present a rather broad orange or brown border. The forewings also show two black spots in the middle. Legs are white and brown ringed.

These moths mainly fly from August till late October, depending on the location. They feed on nectar of various flowers, including ivy and buddleia. This species shows a migratory nature. The larvae are initially yellow, later becoming green. They can grow to a length of about 2 cms. They feed on the leaves of the host plants, mainly jasmine (Jasminum officinale), privet (Ligustrum species), Forsythia, Arbutus unedo and european olive (Olea europaea). In Africa the preferred host plants are Sida rhombifolia, Grewia, Helicteres isora, Schima noronhae and Randia scortechinii. The larvae are considered a pest of olive fields, as they attack the leaves and fruits. The final instar of the larvae spins some leaves together and form a silky cocoon to pupate.

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG LEGGED CHINA MARK MOTH (Dolicharthria punctalis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/468321-Dolicharthria-punctalis

 

19-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TROGULID HARVESTMAN (Family Trogulidae)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/354551-Trogulidae

 

12-10-2020 BENIOPA, VALENCIA - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

The Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) is a medium-sized butterfly (wingspan 36–50mm) with distinctive orange-brown wings, dark brown, zebra-like markings, and white-pupilled spots. Famous for basking on sunny, bare, stony areas (walls, paths, coastal cliffs), they have experienced a severe population decline in the UK and are now mostly found along the coast. 

Key Facts About the Wall Brown

Appearance: Males are smaller and darker with a prominent, dark brown scent stripe (sex brand) on their forewings. Females are larger, with brighter orange coloring.

Behavior: They are rapid fliers, often seen fluttering close to the ground, but frequently bask on rocks, sunny walls, and dirt paths.

The imago flies from April to October in two or three generations depending on locality and altitude. The larva feeds on grasses in the genera Festuca, Bromus, Deschampsia, Poa, Dactylis and Brachypodium.

"The egg is pale green when first laid, and in shape it is almost spherical, but rather higher than broad; it is finely ribbed and reticulated, but unless examined through a lens it appears to be quite smooth. The caterpillar when full grown is whitish-green, dotted with white. From the larger of these dots on the back arise greyish bristles; the three lines on the back (dorsal and sub-dorsal) are whitish, edged with dark green; the line on the sides (spiracular) is white, fringed with greyish hairs; anal points green, hairy, extreme tips white. Head larger than the first ring (first thoracic segment), green dotted with white and hairy, jaws marked with brownish. The chrysalis is green, with yellow-tinted white markings on the edge of the wing covers and ridges; the spots on the body are yellowish, or sometimes white. Occasionally the chrysalids are blackish, with white or yellow points on the body". (South 1906)

Life Cycle & Habitat: They are found in hot, open, rocky environments, including coastal paths, quarries, and disused railway lines. They overwinter as caterpillars (larvae).

Broods: There are usually two to three generations per year, appearing from April through October.

Diet: Caterpillars feed on various grasses, including tor-grass, bent, and fescue species.

Conservation Status: This species has seen a massive, rapid decline (>80% since 1976), particularly inland. 

They are sometimes confused with the Gatekeeper or Speckled Wood but are distinguished by their intense orange color and preference for rocky, open, barren habitats. 

12-10-2020 BENIOPA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (MALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.

Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

12-10-2020 BAYREN CASTLE GANDIA, VALENCIA - WHITE ERMINE MOTH CATERPILLAR (Spilosoma lubricipeda)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81653-Spilosoma-lubricipeda

 

12-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (JUVENILE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

 

9-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13858-Passer-domesticus

 

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian hoopoe or common hoopoe (Upupa epops) is the most widespread species of the genus Upupa. It is a distinctive cinnamon coloured bird with black and white wings, a tall erectile crest, a broad white band across a black tail, and a long narrow downcurved bill. Its call is a soft "oop-oop-oop".

The Eurasian hoopoe is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It is migratory in the northern part of its range. Some ornithologists consider the Madagascar hoopoes as a subspecies. The African hoopoe, subspecies U. e. africana, has sometimes been treated as a separate species.

The Eurasian hoopoe was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. He cited the earlier descriptions by the French naturalist Pierre Belon and by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner, both of which had been published in 1555. Linnaeus placed the Eurasian hoopoe with the northern bald ibis and the red-billed chough in the genus Upupa and coined the binomial name Upupa epops. The specific epithet epops in the Ancient Greek word for a hoopoe.

The muscles of the head allow the hoopoe's bill to be opened when it is inserted into the ground

The Eurasian hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17–19 in) wingspan. It weighs 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz).[8] The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern migratory subspecies. The hoopoe has a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats. Adults may begin their moult after the breeding season and continue after they have migrated for the winter.

The call is typically a trisyllabic oop-oop-oop, which may give rise to its English and scientific names, although two and four syllables are also common. An alternative explanation of the English and scientific names is that they are derived from the French name for the bird, huppée, which means crested. In the Himalayas, the calls can be confused with that of the Himalayan cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus), although the cuckoo typically produces four notes. Other calls include rasping croaks, when alarmed, and hisses. Females produce a wheezy note during courtship feeding by the male.

The Eurasian hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa and northern Sub-Saharan Africa. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter. Those breeding in Europe usually migrate to the Sahel belt of sub-Saharan Africa. The birds predominantly migrate at night. In contrast, the African populations are sedentary all year. The species has been a vagrant in Alaska; U. e. saturata was recorded there in 1975 in the Yukon Delta. Hoopoes have been known to breed north of their European range, and in southern England during warm, dry summers that provide plenty of grasshoppers and similar insects, although as of the early 1980s northern European populations were reported to be in the decline, possibly due to changes in climate. In 2015, a record numbers of hoopoes were recorded in Ireland, with at least 50 birds recorded in the southwest of the country. This was the highest recorded number since 1965 when 65 individuals were sighted.

The hoopoe has two basic requirements of its habitat: bare or lightly vegetated ground on which to forage and vertical surfaces with cavities (such as trees, cliffs or even walls, nestboxes, haystacks, and abandoned burrows) in which to nest. These requirements can be provided in a wide range of ecosystems, and as a consequence the hoopoe inhabits a wide range of habitats such as heathland, wooded steppes, savannas and grasslands, as well as forest glades.

Hoopoes make seasonal movements in response to rain in some regions such as in Ceylon and in the Western Ghats. Birds have been seen at high altitudes during migration across the Himalayas. One was recorded at about 6,400 m (21,000 ft) by the first Mount Everest expedition.

In what was long thought to be a defensive posture, hoopoes sunbathe by spreading out their wings and tail low against the ground and tilting their head up; they often fold their wings and preen halfway through. They also enjoy taking dust and sand baths.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

The Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, is a medium-sized passerine bird characterized by its glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen. Throughout the year, the plumage is speckled with white, though less so during the breeding season. Adults measure approximately 20 cm in length, with pink legs and a seasonally changing bill color—black in winter and yellow in summer. Juveniles display browner plumage compared to adults.

To identify the Common Starling, look for its iridescent black feathers, which may appear purple or green when reflecting light. The bird's bill is black in the winter and transitions to yellow in the summer, aiding in identification. The starling's flight is strong and direct, with pointed wings that are distinctive in the air. On the ground, its waddling gait is notable.

Common Starlings are highly adaptable, favoring urban and suburban areas where they find ample nesting and roosting opportunities. They also inhabit grasslands, such as farmlands and pastures, where short grass makes foraging for invertebrates easier.

Native to temperate Europe and western Asia, the Common Starling has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, North America, and other regions. Its range extends from Europe to northern Africa and across the Palearctic to western Mongolia.

11-10-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread species of swallow in the world, occurring on all continents, with vagrants reported even in Antarctica. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. In Anglophone Europe, it is just called the swallow; in northern Europe, it is the only member of family Hirundinidae called a "swallow" rather than a "martin".

There are eight subspecies of barn swallow, which breed across the Northern Hemisphere. Two subspecies (H. r. savignii and H. r. transitiva) have fairly restricted ranges in the Nile valley and eastern Mediterranean, respectively. The other six are more widespread, with winter ranges covering much of the Southern Hemisphere.

The barn swallow is a bird of open country that normally nests in man-made structures and consequently has spread with human expansion. It builds a cup nest from mud pellets in barns or similar structures and feeds on insects caught in flight. This species lives in close association with humans, and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by humans; this acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia cf. semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

Subspecies

Eupithecia semigraphata semigraphata

Eupithecia semigraphata arida Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata canariensis Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata gravosata Schutze, 1956

Eupithecia semigraphata lutulentaria Schwingenschuss, 1939

Eupithecia semigraphata nepetata Mabille, 1869

Eupithecia semigraphata porphyrata Zerny, 1934

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

The genus Dyscia is a distinct group of geometer moths within the massive family Geometridae and the subfamily Ennominae. These moths are best known for their incredible camouflage, highly specialized habitat choices, and their unique larval stage—the "inchworm".

Physical Characteristics

Adult Dyscia moths generally display muted, earthy tones that make them look like dried leaves or lichen-covered rocks.

Wingspan: Typically ranges from 22 mm to 42 mm depending on the specific species.

Coloration: Their wings come in shades of sandy beige, chalky white, or light brownish-grey. They are heavily peppered with fine, dark scales and usually feature a distinct central spot on the forewings.

Resting Posture: Like most geometer moths, they rest with their broad wings held completely flat and spread out, creating continuous pattern lines across their forewings and hindwings.

Antennae: Males possess noticeably feathery antennae used to detect female pheromones, while females feature simple, thread-like antennae.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (Anacridium aegyptium)

Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.

A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.

These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.

Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475739-Crocallis-auberti

 

9-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

Crocallis auberti is a species of geometer moth belonging to the family Geometridae. First described by Charles Oberthür in 1883, this moth is primarily distributed across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa, frequenting Mediterranean scrublands and woodlands.

Key Facts at a Glance

Taxonomy: Belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Geometridae, and subfamily Ennominae.

Geographic Distribution: Endemic to southwestern Europe and the western Mediterranean. Records highlight its presence in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa (such as Morocco and Algeria).

Flight Period (Adults): Adults are typically active in the late autumn months, with most flight records occurring between October and November. Like many Geometridae, they are nocturnal and attracted to artificial light.

Life Cycle: Univoltine (having one generation per year). The species overwinters as an egg. The polyphagous larvae (caterpillars) emerge to feed in the spring before pupating.

Habitat: Typically found in warm, shrubby habitats, including Mediterranean scrub (such as areas featuring Cistus and Rosmarinus), woodland edges, and hedges.

Host Plants: The caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on a variety of woody shrubs and broad-leaved plants common to its environment.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DISCRETE CHAPERON MOTH (Cymbalophora pudica)

The wingspan of Cymbalophora pudica is typically 35–42 mm in males and 37–42 mm in females. The background color of the wings and the shape of their markings are rather variable. The external surface of the forewings usually may be milky white or pinkish, with a pattern of black triangular patches. Hindwings vary from white to pinkish with marginal spots. The blackish-haired thorax is characterized by two yellowish longitudinal stripes and by a broad, yellowish cervical spine. The antennae of the males are ciliated (hairy), while those of the females are filiform (thread like). The abdomen is reddish with black spots.

The wings may be shaded with yellowish in Cymbalophora f. flaveola Schultz, 1906, in gray in Cymbalophora f. fumosa Oberthür, 1911. Cymbalophora f. Cohaerens Schultz, 1905 shows confluent spots. Very pink forms are called rosina. The caterpillars are gray brown, hairy, and covered with black-brown warts on each segment.

Like other species of the genus Cymbalophora ("cymbal bearers"), males are capable of emitting sounds from their wings during flight.

Cymbalophora pudica preyed upon by the rove beetle Ocypus olens

This species is univoltine. Caterpillars can be found from May to June. Then they construct their cocoons and rest a long time in the cocoon prior to pupation. The moths are on wing from August to September, depending on the location. The larvae feed on Taraxacum officinale, Stipa species, Brachypodium phoenicoides, Festuca species, various grasses (Poaceae) and other low growing plants.