Amphipoea lucens (Freyer, 1845) Species
Last modified: Aug. 13, 2022, 11:50 a.m.
A very rare species in Belgium.
Confined to peat moor areas in the Ardennes and Hautes Fagnes, where in some locations it has stable populations.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Noctuidae > Subfamily: Xyleninae > Tribus: Apameini > Genus: Amphipoea > Species: Amphipoea lucens
- Vernacular names
- Hoogveenvlekuil (NL), Large Ear (EN), La Noctuelle chatoyante (FR), Pfeifengras-Stengeleule (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Laever E. 1959. Trois espèces nouvelles pour la Belgique. — Lambillionea 59: 54–56. On page 55.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan: 30–36 mm.
The three Amphipoea species that occur in Belgium are very similar and in most cases can hardly be distinguished with certainty on the basis of their external characteristics. They have an almost identical wing shape and drawing and the same degree of variation. Therefore genitalia research is necessary to determine the right species.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
Observed from April till July.
Bionomics
The caterpillar lives first in a stalk of the host plant, later between the roots. It pupates in the litter layer, overwintering as an egg.
The adults come to light and sugar and visiting flowers like Calluna.
Flight periods
They fly in one generation a year: from mid July towards mid September, while August is the peak month.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Molinia caerulea and Eriophorum angustifolium
- Substrates:
- Grasses
The larva feeds on the stems and roots of grasses like Eriophorum angustifolium and Molinia caerulea.
Habitat
A species that mainly occurs in the high moor areas in the most eastern part of the country.
