Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus, 1758)


Scoliopteryx libatrix: Adult (e.l. Illerbeuren near Memmingen, 2010) [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Adult (e.l. Illerbeuren near Memmingen, 2010) [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Adult (e.l. Illerbeuren near Memmingen, 2010) [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Adult (e.l. Memmingen) [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Young larva (eastern Swabian Alb, Southern Germany, July 2011) [N] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Young larva (eastern Swabian Alb, Southern Germany, July 2011) [N] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Half-grown larva (eastern Swabian Alb, Southern Germany, July 2011) [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Half-grown larva (Illerbeuren near Memmingen, June 2010) [M] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Half-grown larva (Illerbeuren near Memmingen, June 2010) [M] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Half-grown larva (Illerbeuren near Memmingen, June 2010) [M] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Larva [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Larva (eastern Swabian Alb, early September 2008) [N] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Larva (Northern Greece, Pindos, July 2011) [N] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Larva (Memmingen, Southern Germany) [M] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Pupa [S] Scoliopteryx libatrix: Typical larval habitats are sunny, softwood rich places in forests such as on the photo with occurrence of Salix caprea and S. cinerea (eastern Swabian Alb, September 2010) [N]

Host plants:
The larvae feed on Salix and Populus species.

Habitat:
Scoliopteryx libatrix inhabits softwood rich wooded areas of all kinds from woodlands to the human settlement area.

Life cycle:
Scoliopteryx libatrix flies mostly in two generations per year. The adults hibernate in cavities, sheds, caves and similar places. The caterpillars live in May and June and again from July to September. They rest openly on the leaves (midrib) or twigs (usually shoot tip).

Remarks:
Scoliopteryx libatrix is widespread Holarctic. It is therefore also present in North America. In Central Europe it is one of the most regular species.


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