About Setina aurita (Esper, 1787)
Setina aurita (Esper, 1787) is a small moth species with a wingspan that reaches 25–32 mm. Its forewings range from whitish-yellow to orange-yellow, and most individuals have longitudinal dark brown stripes that extend to the wing margins, where black dots are located. In some specimens, only black dots are present across the entire wing surface. This wing pattern is strongly dependent on altitude: moths living above 2,000 meters typically have stripes, while moths at lower elevations are more likely to show a dotted pattern. Fully grown caterpillars of this species reach a length of about 22 mm (0.87 in). They are exceptionally long-haired and yellow, with five longitudinal grayish-black stripes and grayish-black warts, and they have black heads. This species is quite similar to two related moths: the dew moth (Setina irrorella) and Setina roscida. Setina aurita is only found in central Europe, specifically in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Switzerland. It occurs in parts of the Alps at altitudes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. Its preferred habitats include stony alpine grasslands, rocky slopes, and sunny meadows.
