Chiasmia aestimaria (Hübner, 1809) Species
Last modified: May 4, 2025, 12:08 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium. Hitherto only known from a few observations in the southern provinces.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Geometridae > Subfamily: Ennominae > Tribus: Macariini > Genus: Chiasmia > Species: Chiasmia aestimaria
- Vernacular names
- Tamariskspanner (NL), Tamarisk Peacock (EN), La Philobie du Tamaris (FR), Tamariskenspanner (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Steeman C. & Sierens T. 2018. Interessante waarnemingen van Lepidoptera in België in 2017 (Lepidoptera). — Phegea 46(2): 31–47. On page 38. view page
- Status
-
Native
For your information, to the best of our knowledge, the first 10 Belgian observations (if any) are listed here:
1) 1 ex. on 23.vi.2017 at Han-sur-Lesse (NA), leg. C. Steeman et al.
2) 1 ex. on 07.vi.2023 at Torgny (LX), leg. G. Plaetinck.
3) 1 ♀ on 02.v.2025 at Tertre (HA), leg. M. Anselin.
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 21–27 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Green head with two whitish sub-dorsal dashes, spiracles black. Green body with a slightly darker dorsal line and white sub-dorsal dashes present on each segment. When the larva reaches the pre-pupal stage, the green-colored portions of the body become deep maroon.
Bionomics
The caterpillar has been found from May till October and live on the green branches, well camouflaged. The blackish pupa rests in a cocoon on the ground. The adults fly at night and come to light.
Flight periods
The adults fly in two or three generations a year from April till September/October.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Tamarix africana and Tamarix gallica
- Host plant (genera):
- Tamarix
The larva feed on Tamarix.
Habitat
It is found in human settlements on planted tamarisk.
