About Rheumaptera hastata (Linnaeus, 1758)
This species, scientifically named Rheumaptera hastata (Linnaeus, 1758), has wings with a black base color that features variable white patterned elements. A wider inner cross line and a narrow basal cross line are typical features of the species. White patches, which may be continuous, cross through the dark central area of the wing. The outer cross line forms a wide white band that usually bears a row of black dots. Within the black area of the wing margin sits a wavy line broken into white patches, which forms a shape resembling an arrow or spearhead; this matches the meaning of the specific epithet hastata, which is Latin for spear shaped. The wing fringes have alternating black and white patches. The pattern of the hindwing matches the pattern of the forewing. In some forms of the species, black coloring is reduced to only a few black stains. This species is found across almost all parts of Europe. Its distribution range extends through northern Asia to the Russian Far East, covers large portions of China, and continues east to Japan. It also occurs across large areas of North America. Three subspecies of Rheumaptera hastata are currently recognized: Rheumaptera hastata hastata, Rheumaptera hastata nigrescens, and Rheumaptera hastata thulearia.
