# Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata) - Web page: https://www.funwildfacts.com/norden/insect/shaded-broad-bar - Published: 2026-05-30 - Last updated: 2026-05-30 ## Overview The Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata) is a nocturnal moth in the family Geometridae that occurs across much of Europe and Asia. With a wingspan of 24-28 millimeters, this is a medium-sized geometrid moth characterized by its distinctive pattern of broad, shaded crossbands over greyish-brown wings. The scientific species name 'chenopodiata' refers to its larval host plants, which historically were often species in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), though the caterpillar is now known to feed on a broader spectrum of plants. This moth is particularly interesting because it has two generations per year in much of its range. The first generation flies from May to June, while the second generation is active from July to August. Adult moths are nocturnal and are readily attracted to light sources, making them a common sight at moth traps and outdoor lighting during the summer months. The wings display a complex pattern with dark wavy lines and a broad, shaded central band that gives the species its English name. The caterpillar is a typical looper caterpillar that moves by first extending its front legs, then drawing up its rear body in an arch - hence the name 'geometrid' meaning 'earth-measurer'. It is green or brownish with lighter longitudinal lines and feeds on various low-growing plants. In the Nordic region, the caterpillar prefers species such as knotgrass, bindweed, heather, and various grasses. The caterpillar overwinters as a pupa in the ground, well protected in a loose cocoon among leaves and soil particles. Scotopteryx chenopodiata is well adapted to open habitats and thrives in heathlands, grasslands, gardens, and agricultural landscapes. The species is not threatened and has a stable population throughout its range. It plays an important role in the ecosystem both as a nocturnal pollinator and as food for night-active birds and bats. ## Quick facts - Weight: 0.00015–0.00025 g - Length: 2.4–2.8 cm - Wingspan: 2.4–2.8 cm - Lifespan: 0.019–0.082 yrs - Diet: Herbivore - Conservation Status: Least Concern ## Habitat Scotopteryx chenopodiata is an adaptable species that occurs in a variety of open and semi-open habitats. It thrives particularly well in heathlands, grasslands, slopes with low vegetation, and coastal areas where host plants grow in abundance. The species is also common in cultural landscapes such as gardens, parks, and agricultural land where it has good access to nectar sources and host plants for the caterpillars. The moth prefers sunny, well-drained areas with varied vegetation. In Scandinavia, it is often found on sandy soils and gravelly ground where heather, grasses, and various herbaceous plants create a mosaic of habitats. It can occur from sea level up to about 1000 meters above sea level in mountainous areas, although it is most common in lowlands and coastal regions. The species is not dependent on old-growth forest but has actually benefited from extensive agriculture and grazing land that keeps the landscape open. - Grassland - Heathland - Farmland - Garden - Woodland - Rocky Cliffs - Coast ## Seasonal Behavior Scotopteryx chenopodiata has a clear seasonal variation with two generations per year in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. The first generation of adult moths flies from early May to late June, while the second generation is active from mid-July to late August, sometimes into September. The winter is spent as a pupa in the ground. Caterpillars from the first generation are active in June-July, while caterpillars from the second generation feed during August-September before pupating to overwinter. The adult moths are strictly nocturnal and begin flying shortly after dusk, when they seek both food in the form of nectar and partners for mating. ## Breeding - Offspring: 50–150 ## Behavior & Ecology - Activity Pattern: Nocturnal - Social Behavior: Scotopteryx chenopodiata are solitary moths that only seek out conspecifics for mating. Males patrol their territory during the night and use their sensitive antennae to detect female pheromones. - Migration: Resident - Population: Stable and widespread population throughout its range, classified as Least Concern ## Did you know? - The name 'geometrid' means 'earth-measurer' and comes from the caterpillar's unique way of moving - it looks like it's measuring the ground by first stretching forward and then pulling up its rear body in an arch! - Scotopteryx chenopodiata can have two complete generations in a single summer, which means a female from May can have grandchildren flying by August! - The moth has specialized scales on its wings that refract light and create the characteristic shaded pattern that functions as excellent camouflage against bark and stone. - The caterpillars can change color depending on which plant they eat - those living on greener plants usually turn green, while those on drier plants become more brownish. - Despite being nocturnal, these moths have developed a sophisticated way of navigating using the moon - which is why they become confused by artificial light sources! - A single female can lay up to 150 eggs during her lifetime, carefully placed on the underside of host plant leaves. - The pupa can survive temperatures down to -20°C by producing natural antifreeze compounds in its body fluids. - The moth's antennae function as super-sensitive chemical sensors that can detect scent molecules from females at distances of several hundred meters! ## Taxonomy - Kingdom: Animalia - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Geometridae - Species: Scotopteryx chenopodiata ## Image - URL: https://images.djurfakta.com/animals/scotopteryx-chenopodiata/1777724304363-1.jpg - Photo: Fvlamoen - License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ## Other languages - sv: https://www.djurfakta.com/norden/insect/scotopteryx-chenopodiata - da: https://www.dyrefakta.com/da/norden/insect/scotopteryx-chenopodiata - no: https://www.dyrefakta.com/norden/insect/scotopteryx-chenopodiata