Heterogenea asella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) Species
Last modified: May 7, 2024, 5:21 p.m.
A rare species in Belgium, more observed in the northern part.
This species is considered Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List category for Flanders 2023.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Limacodidae > Genus: Heterogenea > Species: Heterogenea asella
- Vernacular names
- Kleine slakrups (NL), Triangle (EN), Cloporte (FR), Kleiner Schneckenspinner (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1857a. Catalogue des Insectes Lépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 1: 1–111. On page 64.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 15–20 mm. It has a almost triangular forewing with a strongly curved leading edge and the roof-shaped resting position. The male is darker than the female.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Grub-like larvae have very short legs and a retracted head.
Bionomics
Hibernates as a fully grown larva in a gall-like cocoon on a leaf or twig. Flies mainly at night, usually on warm nights and coming to light in small numbers. Sometimes also active during sunny afternoons.
Flight periods
The adults fly in one generation a year from mid-June till late August.
Observed on
- Host plant (genera):
- Fagus
The larva lives mainly on Fagus and Quercus in ancient woodlands.
Habitat
It inhabits woodland areas.
