Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods) ➔ Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods) ➔ Class Insecta (Insects) ➔ Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths) ➔ Family Noctuidae (Owlet moths)

Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Meldeneule Orache Moth

Synonyms and other combinations:

Noctua atriplicis Linnaeus, 1758 [original combination] | Hadena gnoma Butler, 1878 | Trachea similis Staudinger, 1892 |

  • Trachea atriplicis 8333
    Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Meldeneule  Orache Moth 
    Trachea atriplicis
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf; 2018-06-21 00:01:16
    Image number: 8333

    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf
    2018-06-21 00:01:16
  • Trachea atriplicis 8334
    Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Meldeneule  Orache Moth 
    Trachea atriplicis
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf; 2018-06-22 17:42:16
    Image number: 8334

    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf
    2018-06-22 17:42:16
  • Trachea atriplicis 8335
    Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Meldeneule  Orache Moth 
    Trachea atriplicis
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf; 2018-06-22 17:44:20
    Image number: 8335

    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf
    2018-06-22 17:44:20
  • Trachea atriplicis 8336
    Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Meldeneule  Orache Moth 
    Trachea atriplicis
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf; 2018-06-22 17:38:39
    Image number: 8336

    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf
    2018-06-22 17:38:39
  • Trachea atriplicis, detail 8337
    Trachea atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1758)  Meldeneule  Orache Moth 
    Trachea atriplicis, detail
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf; 2018-06-22 17:42:07
    Image number: 8337
    detail
    DE, Chemnitz, Markersdorf
    2018-06-22 17:42:07

Classification:
Trachea atriplicis belongs to the subfamily Xyleninae, tribe Dypterygiini.
Distribution:
Europe, eastwards through wide parts of Asia to the Pacific Ocean and Japan.
Habitat:
Forest edges and paths, meadows, parks, gardens, ruderal areas.
Description:
The Orache Moth is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 38 - 50 mm. The hind wings are light brown to grey-brown. Due to the characteristic pattern and colouring of the forewings, at least fresh specimens of Trachea atriplicis are unmistakable.
Biology:
From May onwards, the moths fly in 1 to 2 generations, depending on local climatic conditions. They are nocturnal and attracted by light sources.
The polyphagous caterpillars feed on various low plants, such as Orache (Atriplex), Goosefoot (Chenopodium), Knotweed (Polygonum) and Sorrel (Rumex). They pupate in autumn in the ground.
The Orache Moth Trachea atriplicis hibernates as a pupa.
Note:
The moth shown here was attracted by the light, flew into the apartment through the open balcony door and settled in the upper part of the curtain at midnight.

References, further reading, links:
  1. Bestimmungshilfe des Lepiforums