Notodonta torva
(Hübner, 1803)
Large Dark Prominent, Northern Finned Prominent
Notodonta torva is a in the , first described by Jacob in 1803. It is widespread across Europe and extends eastward through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with rare occurrences as an to Great Britain. The is in western Europe, producing two per year. feed primarily on poplar and willow species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Notodonta torva: /nɔtoˈdɔnta ˈtɔrva/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from similar Notodonta species by its larger size and darker coloration. The "Large Dark Prominent" reflects these diagnostic features relative to .
Images
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 48 mm. are relatively large and dark-colored .
Habitat
Associated with containing plants: Populus and Salix . This includes riparian zones, woodlands, and areas with aspen, poplar, and willow growth.
Distribution
Present across most of Europe; rare to Great Britain. Range extends eastward through northern Asia to China, Korea, and Japan. GBIF records indicate presence in North America, though this may represent or vagrant records.
Seasonality
active from late April through August in western Europe, with two per year. present in June and again from August to September.
Diet
feed mainly on Populus (including P. tremula, P. nigra) and Salix species (including S. caprea, S. cinerea, S. phylicifolia). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Populus tremula - larval aspen
- Populus nigra - larval black poplar
- Salix caprea - larval goat willow
- Salix cinerea - larval grey willow
- Salix phylicifolia - larval tea-leaved willow
Life Cycle
in western Europe: two per year with periods overlapping from April to August. occur in June and August-September. Overwinters as .
Ecological Role
Larval on deciduous trees; contributes to in riparian and woodland through leaf consumption.
Human Relevance
Rare to Great Britain, of interest to . No significant economic or agricultural impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Notodonta dromedariusSimilar size range but distinguished by lighter coloration and pattern; N. torva is notably darker
- Notodonta ziczacSmaller with distinctive zigzag pattern; N. torva lacks this pattern and is larger
More Details
Nomenclature note
The "Northern Finned Prominent" appears in some North sources, while European sources use "Large Dark Prominent." This discrepancy may reflect regional naming conventions or potential taxonomic confusion with related .