About Basistriga flammatra (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
This species, Basistriga flammatra (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775, has a wingspan of 42–50 mm. Warren's 1914 account, which refers to the species under the synonym R. flammatra Schiff., also lists the synonyms deleta Roll., basiclavis Walk., and bimaculata Mill. The forewing is grey with a brown or lilac tinge; the costa is paler towards the base. A submedian basal streak, the base of the cell, and the upper half of the tegulae are velvety black. The orbicular and reniform stigmata are large and grey; the cell between these stigmata is sometimes dark. The intensity of the species' markings varies. The hindwing is ochreous fuscous, and paler at the base. It is a large species with elongate wings, widely distributed across Europe, where it becomes rarer further north. In West Asia, it can be found in Kashmir, Persia, and Asia Minor; it also occurs in the Altai Mountains of western Siberia. The larva is green with pale lateral streaks, and feeds on various low-growing plants.
