Exophyla rectangularis (Geyer, [1828])

Host plants:
The larvae feed on Celtis, in Europe most often Celtis australis.

Habitat:
Exophyla rectangularis inhabits Celtis stands in various biotopes, but very often in dry and hot scrub.

Life cycle:
The moths hibernate and live from late May or June until next April or May (but with prolonged phases of dormancy) The larvae are found on low branches, young shoots and also in higher trees between April and May. They usually rest on lower sides of leaves. I recorded them in all instars on the southwestern slopes of Mount Taygetos (around 200-600m) on 11. May 2025. Pupation usually occurs in a cocoon beteen leaves or in litter.

Remarks:
Exophyla rectangularis occurs locally in SE-Europe (e.g. NE-Italy, Croatia, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Crimea) and parts of W-Asia (Turkey, Levante, Cyprus, Turkmenistan).