Scythris sinensis (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875) Species
Last modified: Dec. 19, 2022, 11:58 a.m.
New to Belgium in 2022 in AN.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Scythrididae > Genus: Scythris > Species: Scythris sinensis
- Vernacular names
- Kentish owlet (EN)
- Status
-
Naturalised
Originally an East Asian species, but introduced in Europe (early 1970s) and the United States (2011).
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan about 12 mm. Two forms occur: one with plain blackish wings (first generation), the other one with distinctive yellow spots (second and third generations), 1 pair near wing base and another pair at tip. Both forms have diagnostic yellow abdomens.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Bionomics
The larvae lives in a loose silken web between the young leaves and flower buds on tip of the food plant.
Flight periods
The adults fly from early June towards late September in 2 or 3 generations a year.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Chenopodium album and Atriplex patula
- Host plant (genera):
- Atriplex and Chenopodium
The larvae lives on Atriplex patula and Chenopodium album. Hibernates as a pupa in a white dense cocoon near the host plant.
Habitat
Urban environment, disturbed and industrial areas, arable land, road sides etc...
