Treble-bar
| Treble-bar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Aplocera |
| Species: | A. plagiata |
| Binomial name | |
| Aplocera plagiata Linnaeus, 1758 | |
The Treble-bar or St. John's Wort Inchworm (Aplocera plagiata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East.
This species varies considerably in size (wingspan 37–43 mm) and colouration but is generally grey with three characteristic dark fascia across each forewing, giving it its common name. The hindwings are pale grey or buff. One or two broods are produced each year and the adults can be seen at any time from May to September. The species flies at night and is attracted to light.
The larva is also very variable, being green to reddish brown with alternating darker and lighter stripes. It feeds on various species of St John's wort. The species overwinters as a small larva.
- ^ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
Subspecies
- A. p. hausmanni
- A. p. plagiata
References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984