Florentine Brindled Beauty
Common NameFlorentine Brindled Beauty
Scientific NameLycia florentina
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatRocky areas, garrigue, maquis, open woodlands, often on limestone soils
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (e.g., Spain, France, Italy, Balkans) and North Africa
Host PlantsQuercus, Prunus, Crataegus, Pyrus, Salix, Populus, Ulmus, Betula, Fagus, Carpinus, Tilia
Flight PeriodFebruary to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on leaves. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, with adults emerging in early spring.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their distinctive cryptic greyish-white and dark mottled wing pattern, stout furry body, and prominent bipectinate antennae. Females are flightless with vestigial wings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a stout, furry body and broad, cryptically patterned wings. The wings are pale greyish-white, heavily mottled with dark grey or black wavy lines and spots, providing excellent camouflage.
