About Crocallis elinguaria (Linnaeus, 1758)
Crocallis elinguaria (Linnaeus, 1758) has a wingspan ranging from 32 to 46 mm. This is a distinctive species, usually with yellow-tan forewings that have a broad orange-brown band and a pointed apex. Females are usually paler than males. Considerable variation occurs across individuals: the central forewing band may sometimes match the color of the rest of the forewing, and overall forewing color can range from pale yellow to orange brown. Melanic forms of this species are also known. A blackish discal spot is always present on the forewing, located in the middle of the band towards the costa. The thorax is covered in hair. The hindwings are plain whitish. Last instar caterpillars are brownish or yellowish. A dark brown line runs along the dorsum, extending outward at the segment incisions. Dark spots or slashes sometimes appear on the sides. A characteristic trait of the caterpillars is two small pointed warts on the eleventh segment. This species is rather similar to Crocallis albarracina. Prout has described several forma of this species. This common species is distributed from Europe to eastern Siberia. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, including mixed and deciduous forests, bushes, heaths, scrub, hedgerows, bogs, parks, and gardens. No recorded host or food plants are listed.
