Scopula (Scopula) nigropunctata

• Subfamily: Sterrhinae, Scopulini
• Wingspan: 26-29 mm
• Flight period: Apr - Aug
• Spread: Common
• Host plants: Polyphagous

Information

The Scopula nigropunctata also called Sub-angled Wave is a moth of the Geometridae family, subfamily Sterrhinae, with a wingspan of 26-29 mm.
It is present throughout Europe with the exception of Ireland, Norway and Northern Russia. *
In Italy it is also present in Sicily. *
Its range extends throughout the temperate Palearctic ecozone.

The background color of Scopula nigropunctata varies from light ocher to whitish, with dark markings and dusting. The wing design varies from dark brown to dark gray, in contrast to the background color. The wings have some transverse lines. The internal transverse line is usually not very developed, the median band which is relatively wide is blurred but clearly visible.

The external transverse line is pronounced and jagged. In the subterminal region there are two series of dark lunulae that form two parallel bands, the internal one more pronounced. A series of dark, almost black lines are visible along the edge. Discal spots are always present on the front wings as well as on the hind wings.

The hind wings have the same pattern. The head, thorax and abdomen have the background color of the wings with dusting of the same color as the markings present, on the wings on each segment.

The moth is univoltine, or bivoltine in southern latitudes and the adults are visible in the period from April to October. *** The Scopula nigropunctata frequents different environments such as prairies, edges of woods, scrub, gardens and in any case semi-open habitats. It overwinters in the larva stage. It is distinguished from similar species by the angularity of the corner placed in the cubital area of ​​the rear wing.

The light brown caterpillar has dark almost black spots on the sides. **
The pupa is ocher or darker brown in the area of ​​the cremaster which has six filiform, hooked appendages. which has a series of filiform appendages. **

The larva is polyphagous and has been observed on Taraxacum, Clematis species, Salvia glutinosa, Lathyrus pratensis, Lonicera, Robus, Linaria, Viola, Vaccinium, Alnus, Plantago, Origanum, Vicia, Stachys, Corylus, Acer etc. . ***


* Lepidoptera mundi https://lepidoptera.eu/ - Fauna Europea https://fauna-eu.org/
** Bestimmungshilfe für die in Europa nachgewiesenen Schmetterlingsarten - http://lepiforum.de/
*** Roland Robineau, Guide de papillons nocturne de France, Delachaux et Niestlé, 2011 p.43.