Pyrois effusa (Boisduval, 1828)

Host plants:
According to literature, the caterpillars live on herbs and semi-shrubs as Erica, Cytisus and Cistus. I found a fully-grown larva in Provence in late April 2011 resting on rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) where it presumably also had eaten. In April 2013, I observed three larvae also in Provence (Massif Ste. Victoire) on Lonicera etrusca. Lonicera might be an quite important plant genus for the species. In Crete I observed a larva on Spartium junceum in early May 2013.

Habitat:
Pyrois effusa inhabits the Mediterranean maquis, garrigue and very bright white oak forests with well developed shrub and herb layer up to about 800m above sea level.

Life cycle:
The caterpillars become mature in April or May. The moths fly according to literature from May until the autumn/winter and aestivate in the hot summer months. They are reported to rest in caves.

Remarks:
Pyrois effusa occurs from Northwest Africa across the Mediterranean and the warmer parts of Asia.