Apamea illyria Freyer, 1846

Host plants:
The larvae feed on grasses, especially Calamagrostis. In early October 2009 I found larvae on Calamagrostis epigejos on the eastern Swabian Alb.

Habitat:
The more montainous species inhabits grassy places, inner woodland edges and clearcuttings in forests from the hilly stage up to the tree line. In Valais, I found a pupa at 2200m above sea level (early July 2010).

Life cycle:
The caterpillars live prior to the winter especially in the grass flowers and fruit stands, but from late autumn to spring on the ground. They are mature already in early spring. The moths fly from May to July/August (depending on altitude).

Remarks:
Apamea illyria is mainly distributed in the mountains and is particularly found in the Alps, in northern foreland of the Alps or in lower mountainous areas (Swabian Alb, Black Forest, etc.). The total distribution extends across Europe and Asia Minor.