Polymixis lichenea (Hübner, 1813)

Host plants:
The larvae are polyphagous. I found many young caterpillars on leaf undersides of Rumex vesicarius (Fuerteventura) in February.

Habitat:
Polymixis lichenea inhabits semi-deserts, ravines, cliffs, coastal dunes and similar, sparsely vegetated habitats.

Life cycle:
Polymixis lichenea flies during the winter months (on the Canary Islands). The egg overwinters and the caterpillar lives in the spring. The pupae aestivate from April or May to September/October in order to survive the droughtin the southern parts of the distribution.

Remarks:
Polymixis lichenea is widespread in coastal areas and semi-deserts from Northwest Africa and the Canary Islands (eastern islands) across the Iberian Peninsula to the south of England and Southern Italy.