Autographa aemula (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae are polyphagous on herbs. I found a hibernated larva in early May 2010 at the base of leaves of Leucanthemum at about 1600m above sea level on the Kanisfluh (Vorarlberg, Austrian Alps), where it had also eaten.

Habitat:
Autographa aemula inhabits humid, at higher altitudes also drier, montane to subalpine habitats (about 1000-2000m above sea level), which have mostly a mosaic of pastures or meadows, streams and sparse forests. Autographa aemula inhabits on the Kanisfluh drier to mesophilic patures and forb communities that are interspersed with rocks and stones, together with Autographa bractea, Polia bombycina, Eriopygodes imbecillus, Parnassius apollo, Zygaena transalpina and many other.

Life cycle:
The young caterpillar overwinters. I found it on the Kanisfluh in early May 2010. The moths fly from late June to mid-August.

Endangerment factors:
Autographa aemula is surely in decline in lower elevations through agricultural intensification and housing sprawl.

Remarks:
Autographa aemula occurs in Europe especially in the Alps. In addition, localities are known in the eastern Pyrenees (Spain, France). In addition, an isolated sub-area exists in the Western Asia (Caucasus and northern Turkey).