Page 487 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Geometridae
DISTRIBUTION North Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, the Balkans,
and east to Kazakhstan
HABITAT Meadows, dry grasslands, steppe, embankments, and olive groves
HOST PLANTS Various herbaceous species, especially members of Asteraceae,
such as carrot (Daucus spp.) and ragwort (Senecio spp.)

NOTE Odd-looking caterpillar camou aged to resemble a spiky fruit
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –1⅝ in (30–42 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
APOCHIMA FLABELLARIA 1 ⁄ –2 in (40–50 mm)
MEDITERRANEAN
BRINDLED BEAUTY 485

(HEEGER, 1838)

The caterpillars of the Mediterranean Brindled Beauty moth
hatch from eggs laid on the stems of the host plant. The larvae
are seen from April to June feeding on the young leaves and
flowerheads, their cryptic coloration and spines giving the
impression of a spiky fruit. When disturbed, they roll into a
ball, the spikes deterring predators, such as birds. The mature
caterpillars fall to the ground and spin a cocoon under rocks or
in the soil, where they pupate and overwinter. The pupa is red
brown in color.

The night- ying moths are on the wing from February to April,
and there is a single generation. They have a distinctive resting
position, with the wings folded, hence their species name, which
means “small fan.” The forewings are folded and held out in a
V shape, while the hindwings are held against the body. In many
texts the species is referred to as Zamacra abellaria.

The Mediterranean Brindled Beauty caterpillar
has an unusual spiky appearance. The body is
green and white with red spiracles ringed in
black. Dorsally, there are paired white spines
with smaller spines in between and laterally.

Actual size