Conistra rubiginea (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The caterpillars feed on deciduous wood. Overall they are very polyphagous and are said to changein older instars at least partially change to herbaceous plants according to literature. There also seems to exist some relationship of older caterpillars with ants (observations in nests). But that would have to be analyzed in more detail.

Habitat:
Conistra rubiginea inhabits sparse forests and generally warm, grove-rich landscape components.

Life cycle:
The moths fly overwintering from August to May. In warm winter weather, they can occasionally be found even in January. The caterpillar lives from late April to June or early July.

Remarks:
Conistra rubiginea is widespread in Europe and is also found in Western Asia. Conistra rubiginea is absent from higher elevations, such as the Alps, and also from the far north.