Diaphora sordida (Hübner, 1803)

Host plants:
The larvae are polyphagous, particularly Galium, Rubus, Rumex and Asteraceae.

Habitat:
Diaphora sordida inhabits xerothermic grasslands, heathland and stony or rocky slopes from the colline stage up to over 2300m above sea level.

Life cycle:
The pupa hibernates. Moths can be observed from April or May to late June. The caterpillars live from June to mid-September. I found larvae in the Valais at about 1500m asl in the vegetation and (mature) wander on ways in late August. In early June 2009, I found young caterpillars under Galium lucidum in the Haute Provence at Digne.

Endangerment factors:
Diaphora sordida is locally endangered especially at lower altitudes due to the destruction of Diaphora sordida-rich dry biotopes for the interests of the people (houses, vineyards, roads, etc.) and succession (after abandonment of traditional extensive grazing). Unfortunately intensification measures do not spare even high-altitude habitats, as show newly installed irrigation systems at 2200m above sea level on the Täschalpe in the Valais!

Remarks:
Diaphora sordida occurs in Central Europe only in the southern and parts of the central Alps. In addition, it is found in the south of France (about Pyrenees) and central to Northern Italy.