Notodonta torva
(Hübner, 1803)
Large Dark Prominent, Northern Finned Prominent
Notodonta torva is a in the Notodontidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1803. It is widespread across Europe and extends eastward through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with rare occurrences as an immigrant to Great Britain. The is in western Europe, producing two per year. Larvae 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 prominent moths.
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 immigrant 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 introduced or vagrant records.
Seasonality
active from late April through August in western Europe, with two per year. Larvae present in June and again from August to September.
Diet
Larvae 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 food plantaspen
- Populus nigra - larval food plantblack poplar
- Salix caprea - larval food plantgoat willow
- Salix cinerea - larval food plantgrey willow
- Salix phylicifolia - larval food planttea-leaved willow
Life Cycle
in western Europe: two per year with periods overlapping from April to August. Larvae occur in June and August-September. Overwinters as pupa.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on deciduous trees; contributes to nutrient cycling in riparian and woodland through leaf consumption.
Human Relevance
Rare immigrant to Great Britain, of interest to lepidopterists. 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 forewing pattern; N. torva lacks this pattern and is larger
More Details
Nomenclature note
The "Northern Finned Prominent" appears in some North American sources, while European sources use "Large Dark Prominent." This discrepancy may reflect regional naming conventions or potential taxonomic confusion with related .