Le recto des ailes antérieures est blanc avec dans l'aire discale deux bandes orangées fragmentées, l'une est verticale, soulignée de noir sur sa bordure basale et l'autre horizontale, proche du bord interne, avec l'allure d'un Y couché. Parfois, une ligne de petits points noirs en nombre variable est présente dans l'aire postdiscale. La couleur de fond du dessus des ailes postérieures est uniformément blanche.
Détermination :
L'adulte est simple à reconnaître.
Espèces proches :
En Europe, le Bombyx bicolore est caractéristique.
Période d'observation :
Les adultes s'observent de mi-mai à mi-juillet.
Biologie-éthologie :
Leucodonta bicoloria a une génération par an. L'adulte est actif essentiellement lors des premières heures de la nuit. Oligophage, la chenille se nourrit des feuilles de Betula spp. C'est au stade de chrysalide que l'espèce hiverne.
Biogéographique et écologie :
Eurasiatique, l'espèce est distribuée du centre de la France à travers l'Europe centrale, l'Europe de l'Est et l'Asie tempérée jusqu'au Japon. Elle fréquente les forêts de feuillus et les bois mixtes dans un contexte d'hygrométrie variable, mésophile à hydrophile. Elle se rencontre de l'étage collinéen à montagnard jusqu'à environ 1200 mètres d'altitude.
D'après : Ligue suisse pour la protection de la nature (L.S.P.N.), 2005. Les Papillons et leurs biotopes. Espèces. Dangers qui les menacent. Protection. L.S.P.N. Pro Natura, Bâle, volume 3, 916 pp.
The map presents a summary at the 10 x 10 km grid of the observation data for the species transmitted to the SINP. These data have been subjected to validation filters.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Current distribution in metropolitan France
The map presents a reference distribution layer of the species at the scale of departments and marine sectors. The presence and absence data were established by expertise within a network of partners. This reference distribution is used in the validation process of the SINP data at the INPN level.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Certain presence
Corresponds to a report on the basis of at least one observation proved within a period of 10 years (20 years for little-known invertebrates) preceding the year and no presumption of extinction since obtaining the last data nor doubt on reproductive and implemented nature of this population. For migratory species, the presence indicated concerns areas of reproduction.
Probable presence
This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
search of species incomplete but presence of supportive environments;
ecology of the species consistent with the hypothesis of his presence;
the last reliable sighting is older than 10 years compared to the reference date, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [vertebrates, invertebrates and plants well studied (rhopalocera, grasshoppers, dragonflies ...)] ;
the last reliable observation being older than 20 years, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [poorly known taxa: fungus, many invertebrates...].
Probable or certain absence
This point covers the absence, more difficult by nature to demonstrate than presence. This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
intensive but unsuccessful targeted research;
lack of adequate environments;
unobserved species while its presence is easily detected;
unlikely presence for historical or biogeographical reasons.
This status must be assigned to a department in which the presence of the species is casual.
Absence due to a proven extinction
Particular case of absence due to a proven extinction less than a half century ago (older disappearances are treated as "no probable or definite").
No information
In the state of knowledge, we can not comment on the presence or absence in the current department. This is the default status when not comprised in one of the previous categories or whenever there is doubt.
French Version
