Aplocera cretica, Crete - photo © K. Bormpoudaki
Aplocera cretica (Reisser, 1974)
MOTH INFO
Aplocera cretica is a Cretan endemic moth of the family Geometridae.
Scientific name
Aplocera cretica (Reisser, 1974)
Anaitis cretica (Reisser, 1974)
Common name
Cretan Stripe
Classification
Superfamily: Geometroidea > Family: Geometridae > Subfamily: Larentiinae > Tribus: Chesiadini > Genus: Aplocera
Wingspan
1st generation, 33-38 mm, 2nd generation 27-32 mm.
Habitat
The moth can be found in phrygana, olive grooves, and shrubland.
Food plant
The larva is monophagous on Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum) and feeds on the leaves.
Flight period
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Links
Notes
The species is very similar to Aplocera plagiata which is also present on the island. Aplocera cretica summer generation appears smaller (27-32 mm) than Aplocera plagiata (32-40 mm). Also “…sympatric specimens of Aplocera plagiata often show a slight yellowish tinge... “*
In general, identification based on external characteristics is doubtful.
* pg 470, The Geometrid Moths of Europe, Vol. III Subfamily Larentiinae I, by Axel Hausmann & J. Viidalep, Apollo Books 2012.
