Thera variata

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Spruce carpet
Thera.variata.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Thera
Species:
T. variata
Binomial name
Thera variata

Thera variata, the spruce carpet, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout Europe, North Asia and Japan. The common name spruce carpet is also used when referring to Thera britannica .

Contents

The length of the forewings is 13–17 mm. The forewings are light ochreous-brown, sprinkled with dark fuscous with an ochreous-brown basal patch the edge waved, right-angled above middle. The median band is ochreous-brown or dark fuscous, black-marked on veins, edges dark fuscous, sometimes whitish-margined its anterior angulated in middle and its posterior waved, right-angled above middle. There is a black discal mark, a subterminal line obscurely whitish and a cloudy darker apical dash. The hindwings are pale fuscous, ochreous tinged with a darker discal dot and sometimes a curved postmedian line. The larva is blue-green; dorsal line darker, pale edged; subdorsal yellowish-white, posteriorly yellow; subspiracular yellowish-white; segment 13 with two points. [1]

Similar species

Itself variable, Thera variata closely resembles some forms of Thera obeliscata . In case of doubt, specialists should be consulted for determination.

Biology

The moth flies in two generations from mid April to mid October .

Figs Figs 3,3a larvae after final moult 3b pupa Buckler W The larvae of the British butterflies and moths PlateCXXXVIII.jpg
Figs Figs 3,3a larvae after final moult 3b pupa

The larva feeds on spruce and other Pinophyta.

Notes

  1. ^ The flight season refers to Belgium and The Netherlands. This may vary in other parts of the range.

References

  1. Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain . Keys and description